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Roki Sasaki sets strikeout record during perfect game

By David Hill

Jun 26, 2021; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Baseball sits on the mound prior to the game between the Detroit Tigers and the Houston Astros at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 26, 2021; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Baseball sits on the mound prior to the game between the Detroit Tigers and the Houston Astros at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports /
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If you do not familiar with the name Roki Sasaki, it is time to learn about the new superstar in Nippon Professional Baseball.

The Monster of Reiwa carved his name into NPB history with aplomb on Sunday. He set a professional baseball record by striking out 13 consecutive batters en route to firing the 16th perfect game in league history, and the first since Hiromi Makihara fired one in 1994 for the Yomiuri Giants. If one wants to go back specifically into the Pacific League, Sasaki threw the first perfect game since Yutaro Imai on August 31, 1978.

It is time to learn Roki Sasaki’s name

Those 13 strikeouts were not the only record that Sasaki set during that contest. He struck out 19 batters, tying the NPB record set by Koji Noda. At 20 years old, he surpassed Gentaro Shimada as the youngest pitcher in league history to fire a perfect game; Shimada was 21 during his run to history. And, with a 106 Game Score on the Bill James Scale, he threw the greatest game in NPB history, beating the legendary Yoshiro Sotokoba in his 16 strikeout perfecto.

Suffice to say that everything was working for Sasaki. His fastball was consistently around 100 MPH all game, even in the latter innings. His splitter, which had been inconsistent at times, was impressive and showed improvement. Sasaki’s outing was a masterclass in pitching.

It has not taken long for Sasaki to establish himself as a star for the Chiba Lotte Marines. He had posted a 2.33 ERA and a 0.983 WHiP in his 77.1 innings over 13 outings prior to his perfect game, striking out 91 batters with 18 walks. Despite his youth, he dominated virtually every time he took the mound.

Sasaki had already attracted attention from major league teams. His impressive velocity, where he was just under 100 MPH as a 17 year old, had led to approximately a dozen teams watching his availability as he was unsure of whether or not he would head stateside or join Nippon Professional Baseball. Now, it seems to be a matter of when, not if, he ends up coming to the majors.

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Roki Sasaki had a historic performance during his perfect game on Sunday. If you do not know who he is, it is time to learn his name.

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