The Los Angeles Dodgers and the Chicago Cubs faced off in the season opener at the Tokyo Dome in Tokyo, Japan early Tuesday morning, with the Dodgers coming out victorious with a final score of 4-1.
MLB’s vision to showcase their top Japanese talent in front of their home country was a success, as multiple players showed out on day one of the 2025 regular season.
Dodgers designated hitter and three time MVP Shohei Ohtani had two hits and scored twice in the win, helping Los Angeles score 4 runs in front of the excited Japanese crowd. Starting pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto had a terrific start as well, pitching 5 innings and giving up only 1 run while striking out 4.
The Cubs got good production out of starter Shota Imanaga, who also looked strong in his return to his homeland. He pitched 4 scoreless innings and struck out two in his season debut on the mound.
The Chicago offense could not get going however against a strong Dodgers bullpen (zero hits allowed as a group), and closer Tanner Scott finished the job by earning his first save of the season and getting Los Angeles their first win of the year in their quest to return as back to back champions.
The Dodgers and Cubs play one more game in Tokyo tomorrow morning at 6:10 AM EST, as Roki Sasaki makes his MLB debut for LA while Justin Steele will start on the hill for the Cubbies.
