In the hyper-competitive world of Major League Baseball, debuts are rarely easy. But when you’re Roki Sasaki, Japan’s pitching prodigy, making your first MLB start in Tokyo, the pressure is cranked up to eleven. Tokyo witnessed a fireworks show to kick off the 2025 MLB season, and the team that sparkled brightest was the Dodgers, they swept a two-game series against the Cubs. The second game on March 19 was all about Roki Sasaki’s debut.

Though Sasaki’s performance was a mixed bag, the Dodgers ultimately emerged victorious, 6-3. He pitched three innings, allowing one run on one hit. But the five walks and 25 strikes among his 56 pitches told the story of undeniable talent tussling with nerves and control. The Chicago Cubs manager, Craig Counsell, a veteran tactician, took a deeper view of Sasaki’s debut.

“I thought we did a pretty good job … we did put pressure on him that we needed to, but he made pitches, especially in the 3rd inning,” Counsell said. It was an acknowledgment that the Cubs did challenge Sasaki, forcing him and making him work, but ultimately, the young pitcher found a way to squeeze himself out of the biggest jam.

Sasaki’s first inning was magic top, with three straight 100-mph fastballs and a perfect frame. The second inning saw the first cracks, with two walks, though he escaped unscathed. But the third inning was the crucible. Sasaki allowed a single, then three consecutive walks, forcing in a run. It was here, bases loaded, that Counsell saw both the pressure applied and the pitcher’s resilience. Sasaki, facing the brink, struck out the next two batters, limiting the damage and showing the stuff that made him a star.

Beyond the debut: team support and Roki Sasaki’s path forward

But the Cubs could not take advantage of Sasaki’s shaky control. Sasaki was hardly the Cubs’ only problem—they also struggled to mount an offense. Second baseman Jon Berti committed a throwing error in the fifth inning that was costly, allowing the Dodgers to score three runs. The bats were silent for a long stretch for the Cubs, with Dodgers pitchers retiring 16 batters in a row from the third through the eighth innings.

Sasaki’s debut was the headline, but the Dodgers’ bullpen put on a master class in how to relieve. Landon Knack stepped up, threw two scoreless innings to earn the win, and quieted the Cubs’ bats. The bullpen overall managed nine strikeouts over six innings. Alex Vesia closed out the ninth, securing the save after striking out two. It was a team win, a reminder that a good bullpen can still win a game when the starter falters.

Despite the mixed results, the Dodgers rallied around Sasaki. Manager Dave Roberts acknowledged the “highs” and “inexperience” that come with youth and talent, a clear vote of confidence. Teammate Kiké Hernández offered encouragement on Instagram, posting “よく頑張った!” (“He did a great job!”). Even before the game, the Dodgers’ official Instagram account signaled their belief with a post dedicated to Sasaki: “Roki, you’re up!” This supportive environment is crucial for any young player, especially one making a highly scrutinized debut.

Now, the question becomes: can Sasaki fulfill the immense potential that brought him to the world’s biggest stage? Or will the pressure prove too much?