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Dodgers Edge Mets 4-2 Behind Sasaki’s Dominant Seven Innings

Roki Sasaki struck out nine batters over seven scoreless innings as the Los Angeles Dodgers defeated the New York Mets 4-2 at Citi Field on Friday.

Knox Esparza

July 28, 20262 min read

baseball pitcher mound - illustration, Jake Team LLC
baseball pitcher mound - illustration, Jake Team LLC
MLBFinal
Los Angeles Dodgers4
New York Mets2

July 24, 2026

Sasaki’s Sharp Outings Define Night

Roki Sasaki delivered a masterclass in efficiency for the Los Angeles Dodgers, pitching seven innings of one-run ball to secure the victory in Friday’s contest. The right-hander allowed just three hits and two walks while striking out nine New York Mets batters. His performance earned him the win, improving his record to 4-5 for the season.

Sasaki’s ability to keep the Mets’ potent lineup off balance was the primary catalyst for the Dodgers’ offensive output, allowing them to build a lead they would not relinquish.

Early Exchange and Middle Innings

The game’s first run came in the second inning when Robert Jr. launched a 381-foot home run to left field, giving the Dodgers an early 1-0 advantage. The Mets responded in the fourth inning, tying the game at 1-1 when Rojas hit a sacrifice fly to right field, driving in Freeman.

The score remained deadlocked until the seventh inning, when Ohtani hit a sacrifice fly to center field, scoring T. Hernández to put Los Angeles ahead 2-1. Rushing was left at third base during the play, but the Mets were unable to capitalize further.

Late Inning Power and Relief Work

The Dodgers’ lead expanded significantly in the eighth inning. Kyle Tucker hit a 386-foot home run to right center, scoring Freeman and extending the advantage to 4-1. The Mets attempted a rally in the same frame, with Alvarez hitting a 401-foot home run to left field to make it 4-2.

However, the Dodgers’ bullpen held firm to preserve the win. Evan Phillips pitched the eighth inning, allowing one hit and one earned run while striking out one batter. Tanner Scott closed out the ninth inning, pitching a perfect frame with one strikeout to record his 16th save of the season.

Mets’ Pitching Struggles Continue

New York’s starting pitcher, Sean Manaea, worked six innings, surrendering six hits and one earned run while striking out three batters. He was followed by Brooks Raley, who pitched one inning and allowed two hits and one earned run, taking the loss and dropping his record to 4-5. A.J.

Minter entered in the eighth inning, giving up two hits and two earned runs in his outing. Cionel Perez finished for the Mets, pitching one scoreless inning with two strikeouts. The final attendance at Citi Field in Queens was 35,338.

The Dodgers improved to 66-38, while the Mets fell to 43-61.

Sources

https://www.espn.com/mlb/game/_/gameId/401816240

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Knox Esparza

Knox Esparza covers Pleasanton high school and area college sports.

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