Roki Sasaki continues his complete dominance in NPB

Roki Sasaki is doing his part to force his way into the consciousness of baseball fans stateside. The Chiba Lotte Marines phenom fired a perfect game last week, striking out 19 batters in the contest while setting a professional baseball record of 13 consecutive strikeouts during the game. It was a truly historic performance on many levels.

That made his outing on Sunday must watch television. Baseball fans were curious as to how he would follow up that performance, especially given his historic outing. For an early regular season game, Sasaki had a decent amount of pressure upon him.

Roki Sasaki continues his complete domination

If he was feeling any additional pressure, Sasaki certainly was not showing it. He followed his perfect game by being perfect through eight innings, striking out 14 batters before being lifted at 104 pitches. The Marines were tied 0-0 heading into the ninth, leading to Sasaki being taken out as they were trying to eke out a victory.

That decision cost Sasaki the chance to match Johnny Vander Meer and throw consecutive no hitters. However, Sasaki would have easily surpassed the former Reds’ pitcher’s accomplishment if he was able to record three more consecutive outs and earn a victory.

At this point, Sasaki’s accomplishments are starting to be recognized stateside. He was mentioned on SportsCenter, his impressive run forcing places to pay attention. With 33 strikeouts and zero baserunners allowed in his past 17 innings, he is essentially posting video game numbers while playing at one of the highest levels in the world. Although it is likely to be years away, there will be plenty of anticipation about when he will be posted and come to the majors.

Roki Sasaki followed up his perfect game by being perfect through eight innings. He is essentially a cheat code in Nippon Professional Baseball.