The Los Angeles Dodgers kicked off the Major League Baseball season with a thrilling 4-1 come-from-behind victory over the Chicago Cubs during their first game of the series, held on March 18, 2025, at the Tokyo Dome. This marked the return of MLB opening games to Japan after six years, and the excitement was palpable among the fans.
Shohei Ohtani, the renowned two-way star, took center stage as the designated hitter, batting first and finishing the day with two hits out of five at-bats. His performance included a pivotal double, showcasing his ability to shine on the international stage. The Dodgers' other standout player was starting pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto, who earned his first win of the season by throwing five solid innings, allowing just one run and showcasing his skills with the highest pitch speed reaching 98.1 miles per hour, equivalent to approximately 157.8 kilometers.
The game, which began with high hopes, took an unexpected turn when Freddie Freeman was suddenly removed from the lineup due to discomfort in his left elbow just before the game's commencement. This last-minute change forced the Dodgers to shuffle their batting order, with Will Smith moved to the cleanup spot.
Early on, the Cubs' ace Shota Imanaga silenced the Dodgers' bats, holding them hitless for the first four innings. The pressure was mounting as the Dodgers struggled to put runs on the board, having advanced runners to scoring positions but failing to capitalize.
Yamamoto faced Imanaga, and both pitchers exhibited impressive skills. Although Yamamoto allowed the Cubs to score first with a timely double by Seiya Suzuki, the Dodgers were determined to make their mark. The game reached its turning point during the fifth inning. After the Cubs switched to bullpen pitcher Ben Brown, the Dodgers took advantage of the situation. A walk allowed the first runner to get on base, setting the stage for Ohtani's significant hit, which led to runners on first and third.
Following Ohtani's hit, Tommy Edman, demonstrating timely hitting, grounded to the outfield, scoring the Dodgers' first run and leveling the game. Shortly after, the Cubs made a misplay, allowing the Dodgers to take the lead. Will Smith, after adjusting to batting cleanup, delivered with another clutch hit scoring three runs, resulting in the Dodgers turning the tides and leading 4-1.
Yamamoto, basking in the momentum from his teammates, took the mound to close out the game. With his five-inning outing encapsulated by three hits allowed, four strikeouts, and one earned run, he left the game with the possibility of earning the win safely secured.
The Dodgers’ bullpen was equally impressive, with Anthony Banda, Ben Capra, and Blake Treinen providing scoreless innings to maintain the lead. The ninth inning saw Ohtani continue to make his presence felt with another significant hit, this time a double. After he reached second base, Teoscar Hernández secured the victory for the Dodgers with another timely hit, successfully extending the lead to 4-1. Tanner Scott came on to close the game, ensuring the Dodgers' season started on the right foot.
This victory is especially notable as it not only gave the Dodgers their first win of the season but extended their streak to four consecutive opening day victories. The celebration of baseball's return to Japan featured contributions from four Japanese players, symbolizing the growing impact of players from Japan in the MLB.
Following the game, Hideki Kuriyama commented on the phenomenon surrounding Ohtani, describing his popularity, especially on the international stage, as phenomenal. “Honestly, with him being the superstar, it’s incredible to see his appeal globally,” Kuriyama noted.
Despite the excitement, the game was not without issues. Amidst the thrilling atmosphere, spectators expressed frustration over incidents involving laser pointers pointed at players from the left-field seats, leading to temporary game stoppages and audience discontent. Such disruptions raised concerns about fan behavior and its impact on the game's integrity.
Alongside the successful game day experience, the MLB organization highlighted the substantial economic impact of this event, with sales reportedly reaching 10 billion yen, tenfold compared to opening events held domestically. This phenomenon has been dubbed the 'Ohtani effect'—a term reflecting the spike in interest and participation surrounding the star player.
Further compounded by excitement, Mookie Betts did not participate due to health issues, prompting his urgent return home. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts remarked about the potential concerns of Betts' physical condition, which raised alarms due to rapid weight loss and dehydration.
With the Dodgers triumphantly beginning their season, anticipation builds for the upcoming US opening game scheduled for March 27, 2025, as fans eagerly await more action from their beloved team and its star players.
Overall, the MLB opening game not only served as the beginning of the season but also celebrated the international impact of baseball, significantly enhancing the relationship between Japan and the MLB.
