Dodgers Shine in Japan as Ohtani and Yamamoto Lead Victory Over Cubs
What a way to kick off the MLB season! The Los Angeles Dodgers and Chicago Cubs took the field in Tokyo for the season opener, and the game did not disappoint. The spotlight was on Japan’s very own Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto, and they certainly delivered in front of their home crowd. The Dodgers secured a solid 4-1 victory over the Cubs, setting the tone for what promises to be an exciting season.
Yamamoto took the mound for the Dodgers and showed why he’s one of the most highly anticipated pitchers in the game. He threw five strong innings, allowing just one run on three hits while striking out four. Opposing him was fellow Japanese pitcher Shota Imanaga for the Cubs, who also put on a great performance. Imanaga didn’t allow a single hit in his four innings, but control issues led to four walks.
The game remained tight early on, with Chicago striking first in the second inning. Cubs catcher Miguel Amaya drove in Dansby Swanson with a clutch two-out double, giving the Cubs a 1-0 lead. But that was about all the offense they could muster. After the third inning, Chicago failed to register another hit, as the Dodgers' pitching staff locked things down.
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The big momentum shift came in the fifth inning. The Dodgers capitalized on a mistake by Cubs second baseman Jon Berti, whose throwing error helped extend a crucial rally. Ohtani got things rolling with a hard-hit single through the right side, and Tommy Edman and Will Smith followed up with RBI singles to put the Dodgers in control. They never looked back. Ohtani finished the night 2-for-5, including a ninth-inning double that set up another run.
On the defensive side, Yamamoto, along with relievers Anthony Banda, Ben Casparius, and Blake Treinen, combined to retire 16 consecutive Cubs batters between the third and eighth innings. The streak only ended when Treinen hit Berti with a pitch in the eighth, but by then, the Dodgers had full control of the game. Tanner Scott closed it out and earned his first save of the season.
The game wasn't without some roster shake-ups. Dodgers' star first baseman Freddie Freeman was scratched from the lineup due to rib discomfort, and shortstop Mookie Betts was sidelined with an illness, missing both Tokyo games. Even without those key players, the Dodgers proved why they’re the defending World Series champions.
Looking ahead, Game 2 in Tokyo promises more excitement as the Dodgers send out Japanese rookie sensation Roki Sasaki for his highly anticipated MLB debut. He’ll go up against Cubs left-hander Justin Steele, who will try to help Chicago bounce back.
Baseball fans in Japan couldn’t have asked for a better way to start the season. With Ohtani and Yamamoto showcasing their talent on home soil, the Dodgers have made a statement—this team is ready to chase another championship. Get ready, because the 2025 MLB season is officially underway!
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