Guardians Defeat Dodgers 4-2 in Sasaki's First Start

Rookie pitcher Roki Sasaki takes the loss in his MLB debut against Cleveland

Mar. 31, 2026 at 8:28pm

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting the pitching motion and baseball action in an abstract, cubist style, using bold colors and sharp, overlapping shapes to convey the intensity of the game.A cubist interpretation of Roki Sasaki's MLB debut, capturing the dynamic energy and tension of the game between the Dodgers and Guardians.Los Angeles Today

Roki Sasaki, the highly touted Japanese pitching prospect, made his first MLB start for the Los Angeles Dodgers on Monday, but took the loss as the Cleveland Guardians defeated the two-time defending World Series champions 4-2. Sasaki pitched 4 innings, giving up 1 run.

Why it matters

Sasaki's debut was highly anticipated, as he is considered one of the top young pitching talents in baseball. The loss is a setback for the Dodgers, who were looking to continue their dominant run after back-to-back championships.

The details

In his first MLB start, Sasaki pitched 4.1 innings, giving up 1 run on 3 hits while striking out 5. He was charged with the loss as the Guardians rallied late to defeat the Dodgers 4-2. Sasaki said he was able to throw solidly inside the strike zone, but the Guardians were able to capitalize on his mistakes.

  • Sasaki made his MLB debut on March 31, 2026.

The players

Roki Sasaki

A highly touted Japanese pitching prospect making his MLB debut with the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Cleveland Guardians

The baseball team that defeated the Los Angeles Dodgers 4-2 in Sasaki's first start.

Los Angeles Dodgers

The two-time defending World Series champions who lost to the Guardians in Sasaki's debut.

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What they’re saying

“I was able to throw solidly inside the strike zone,”

— Roki Sasaki

The takeaway

While the loss was disappointing, Sasaki's MLB debut showed promise and the Dodgers remain one of the top teams in baseball despite the setback. The young pitcher will look to build on this experience as he continues his adjustment to the major league level.