The Los Angeles Dodgers have punched their ticket to the National League Championship Series, securing a dramatic 2-1 victory over the Philadelphia Phillies in Game 4 of the NLDS on October 10, 2025. The win was capped by a stellar three-inning perfect relief performance from rookie sensation Roki Sasaki, who has emerged as a critical weapon for the defending World Series champions.
Dodgers Secure NLCS Berth on Wild Comeback
The series-clinching victory at Dodger Stadium was a tense, extra-inning affair that highlighted the resilience of the Los Angeles squad. After a scoreless duel through six innings, the Phillies took a narrow 1-0 lead in the top of the seventh. However, the Dodgers quickly responded, tying the game in the bottom half of the inning when Mookie Betts drew a bases-loaded walk. The game remained deadlocked until the bottom of the 11th, when an errant throw from Phillies reliever Orion Kerkering allowed Hyeseong Kim to score the winning run, sealing the series 3-1 in favor of the Dodgers.
Sasaki’s Postseason Dominance
Roki Sasaki was the linchpin of the Dodgers’ late-game success in the NLDS. Called upon in crucial moments, the right-hander delivered three perfect innings of relief in Game 4, retiring all nine batters he faced on just 36 pitches. His performance included two strikeouts and showcased a rediscovered velocity, with his fastball averaging 99.5 mph. This dominant outing solidified his role as the Dodgers’ primary closer for the postseason, a far cry from his earlier struggles this season. Sasaki also recorded saves in Games 1 and 2 of the series, establishing himself as a trustworthy presence in the bullpen.
A Remarkable Redemption Arc
Sasaki’s journey to becoming an October hero has been a compelling narrative in itself. Signed by the Dodgers for the 2025 season, the highly touted Japanese pitcher experienced a difficult start to his Major League Baseball career, grappling with control issues and ultimately landing on the injured list with a shoulder ailment for nearly five months. Reports indicated that gaining his trust and addressing his mechanical issues took considerable effort from the Dodgers’ front office and coaching staff. Following his return in September, he gradually adapted to a relief role, and his performance in the NLDS has been nothing short of spectacular. Manager Dave Roberts lauded Sasaki’s outing in Game 4, calling it “one of the great all-time appearances out of the bullpen.”
A Tense NLDS Concludes
The NL Division Series against the Phillies was a hard-fought battle, considered by many to be the Dodgers’ toughest playoff test. The series saw strong pitching performances from both sides, including six scoreless innings from Dodgers starter Tyler Glasnow in Game 4. While the Phillies showed their mettle by avoiding a sweep and forcing a decisive Game 4, their season ultimately ended on Kerkering’s costly throwing error.
Looking Ahead to the NLCS
With this victory, the Los Angeles Dodgers advance to the NLCS for the seventh time in the past decade, continuing their quest to defend their World Series title. As the team prepares for their next challenge, Roki Sasaki’s emergence as a lights-out reliever is a significant storyline and a massive weapon for the current Los Angeles club. His resurgence adds another layer of excitement to the ongoing MLB playoffs, making him a trending topic among baseball fans nationwide.
