What's Happening?
Roki Sasaki and Clayton Kershaw provided crucial relief innings for the Los Angeles Dodgers, helping the team secure a 5-4 extra-innings victory over the Arizona Diamondbacks. Sasaki, recently activated from the injured list, showcased his fastball velocity, while Kershaw made his first relief appearance since 2019. Their contributions were pivotal in reducing the Dodgers' magic number to clinch the NL West division title.
Why It's Important?
The performances of Sasaki and Kershaw are significant for the Dodgers as they address bullpen vulnerabilities ahead of the postseason. Their ability to deliver scoreless innings under pressure highlights the team's depth and adaptability. As the Dodgers aim for another World Series run, having experienced pitchers like Kershaw and promising talents like Sasaki in the bullpen is crucial for maintaining competitive edge and resilience in high-stakes games.
