A smile started to form on the face of Dodgers closer Roki Sasaki as he described his disposition in the bullpen.
“Every time,” Sasaki said, “I’m praying the starter will pitch a complete game.”
The Japanese speakers in the Dodger Stadium interview room broke into laughter.
The overwhelming performance of the Dodgers in this postseason has created an atmosphere in which even the famously introverted Sasaki feels comfortable joking in front of reporters.
With a 3-1 victory over the Milwaukee Brewers at Dodger Stadium on Thursday, the Dodgers extended their lead in the National League Championship Series to three games to none.