Fans packed the Tokyo Dome on March 18, 2025, as the Chicago Cubs faced off against the Los Angeles Dodgers for the Tokyo Series, marking the excitement of international baseball. The Cubs, under the spotlight, executed two games against the World Series champions, each ending with the same score of 3-0, demonstrating their dominance on the field.
Starting pitcher Shota Imanaga showcased his talent once again on this stage, pitching for two innings where he faced challenges yet remained unscathed. With 35 pitches, Imanaga effectively shut down opposition hitters, finishing with no runs and only giving up two walks along with one strikeout. "I am learning to handle pressure situations like this, and today was just another step forward for me," Imanaga stated (reported by Guggenheim).
The game began with immediate tension. Imanaga encountered trouble right off the bat, issuing consecutive walks to the Dodgers' key hitters, Smith and Mancy, who took full counts to get on base. With the bases loaded and no outs, the situation looked grim, but Imanaga showed poise, inducing K. Hernandez to pop out, Conforto to strike out, and Rohas to fly out, escaping without harm.
The Cubs’ success was no fluke. This victory was bolstered by stellar performances from their entire pitching roster. For the series, the relievers, who followed Imanaga, collectively presented impressive numbers with ten pitchers achieving an ERA of 0.00 over the two matches. This feat has led fans and analysts to buzz about the team’s potential this season, especially as they secured two wins against the formidable Dodgers.
"It’s not just about winning; it’s about how we’re winning, and the pitchers deserve much credit for this," said manager Fujikawa, reflecting on the team’s performance. His calm demeanor, even after such triumph, was notable as he emphasized the importance of maintaining focus on the main season, stating, "This was valuable for each player; we must build on this as we head back to our league."
Fujikawa, who had declared at his introductory press conference last October, "We are going for the win," remained composed throughout both games. He reiterated how significant stable outings from pitchers were to his strategy. "I want our lineup to score three runs, and then the pitchers need to seal the game. This is the kind of approach I envision for our future," he remarked.
The victories over the Dodgers left fans exuberant, especially fellow Japanese fans who could revel not only in the Cubs’ success but also witness their beloved league’s best teams clash. The aftermath of the games ignited wild excitement among the fans, with many jubilantly celebrating, exclaiming, "Yeah, we defeated the champions!" leading to increased hopes for the coming season.
Firing up the local sporting community was the unfortunate streak of losses facing the Giants, the Cubs' historical rivals. They suffered defeats to both the Dodgers and the Cubs each game with scores of 1-5 and 2-4 on March 15 and 16 respectively. The Giants’ star pitcher Tohgo had particularly let down his fans when he got hit by great Ohtani during the game. With these losses, the Giants seemed to struggle to compete with their much stronger counterparts, which caused echoes of excitement among the Tigers’ fanbase as they watched their rivals falter.
Fans expressed disbelief at the shift, especially considering the Giants' crushing defeat during the open game at Koshien earlier on March 9, 2025. Many were left wondering how the Giants, once seen as Toronto's fiercest competitors, seemed outclassed by major league teams. Sightings of Tigers fans celebrating, buoyed by the Cubs’ success, contrasted starkly with the gloomy atmosphere surrounding the Giants’ camp.
Many observers noted the significance of these victories, calling them historic. "To beat both the Dodgers and Giants consecutively is something not many teams achieve, and it speaks volumes about our potential as we move forward," commented one former player from the Tigers, who wishes to remain anonymous but echoed sentiments directed toward real confidence for the upcoming season.
The anticipation is palpable as the Cubs gear up for their next challenges, bringing along the momentum they’ve built. Coaches are already planning strategies based on recent behaviors observed through the series, fine-tuning both playing style and mindset for league matches. The talk of being 'Under the Radar' as they are now tagged is invigorated by recent results.
With the Japanese baseball season just around the corner, fans are eagerly waiting to see if the Cubs can maintain their world-class performance as they head back to their league. The undeniable talent on the roster, combined with unified team spirit, could pave the way for significant achievements throughout the season. What began as two exhibitions games have turned, at least for now, to show promise and significant potential for the Cubs and perhaps reshaped paths for rivals.
With all eyes on the upcoming matches, one thing is apparent: the road through the season remains fierce and competitive. What lies behind may develop the next wave of baseball legends, and for this Cubs team, they've taken the initial steps toward greatness. With confidence brewing from these triumphant victories, fans and players alike can only hope this is just the beginning of something extraordinary.
