Dodgers make up for Roki Sasaki’s struggles, tie Angels 7-7
Sasaki allows six walks and was charged for five earned runs, Dodgers erase six run deficit.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 23: Roki Sasaki #11 of the Los Angeles Dodgers throws against the Los Angeles Angels in the first inning at Dodger Stadium on March 23, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) | Getty Images The Dodgers were down early against the Angels on Monday, having to fight their way back from the first inning. A pair of home runs cut a six-run deficit in half, and the Dodgers tied the game late in the eighth inning, but the contest ultimately ended in a 7-7 tie .
Roki Sasaki was given the start as the Dodgers looked to see him improve in his final tuneup. Instead, Sasaki was erratic immediately, plunking Zach Neto on a 3-0 pitch to begin the game. Sasaki got a ground ball from Mike Trout, but an errant throw to second base from Miguel Rojas allowed him to reach.
Sasaki then walked three consecutive hitters, with both Neto and Trout scoring, and the right-hander was pulled after throwing 30 pitches without recording a single out. Ronan Kopp was called on for clean-up duty, managing to complete the first inning but not before allowing a two-run single from Josh Lowe to put the Angels up by four. All four runs were charged to Sasaki.
Sasaki went back out for the second inning, this time plunking Neto for the second time after being ahead 0-2 in the count. Sasaki subsequently allowed his fourth walk of the game to Mike Trout, but finally recorded an out with Nolan Schanuel reaching on a fielder’s choice. Jorge Soler grounded into a double play to give Sasaki a full inning of work.
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