Tokyo – The 2025 Major League Baseball season kicked off with excitement on March 18 at the iconic Tokyo Dome, where the Los Angeles Dodgers emerged victorious against the Chicago Cubs with a 4-1 score. This opening day featured not only thrilling gameplay but also marked historical moments, as it was the first time two Japanese-born pitchers faced each other on Opening Day and the first game held by MLB since 2019.
Shohei Ohtani, the Dodgers' superstar and Japanese sensation, showcased his prowess with a commanding 2-for-5 performance. Ohtani scored two runs, including the pivotal tying run and the go-ahead run, energizing the crowd and his teammates alike. "This is the best feeling," Ohtani remarked after the game, emphasizing the electric atmosphere created by the passionate fans. "The cheering of the fans gave us power," said Dodgers' starting pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto, who threw five solid innings.
The game began with the Cubs taking the lead when Miguel Amaya hit an RBI double to score Dansby Swanson, putting them up 1-0 in the second inning. Starting pitcher Shota Imanaga was effective, no-hitting the Dodgers through the game's first four innings, though he faced challenges with control, issuing four walks and needing 69 pitches before being replaced by reliever Ben Brown.
The Dodgers' breakthrough came during the fifth inning, where they turned the game around dramatically. Following Andy Pages’ walk, Ohtani notched the Dodgers' first hit of the season with a powerful line drive. Tommy Edman then scored Pages, leveling the game at 1-1. The inning continued to unravel for the Cubs when Jon Berti's throwing error allowed Ohtani to cross the plate, followed by Will Smith knocking in another run to cap off the inning with the Dodgers leading 3-1.
Ohtani's double later in the ninth provided insurance, scoring again on Teoscar Hernández’s single, helping the Dodgers pull away 4-1. The Chicago Cubs struggled to respond offensively, tallying only three hits against the Dodgers' formidable pitching, which saw Yamamoto thrive, allowing just one run and reaching 94 mph with his signature splitter. Yamamoto's performance was particularly impressive, as he struck out four batters and efficiently managed the game, showing resilience after his challenging debut season last year.
The Dodgers' bullpen, including Tanner Scott, who earned his first save with the organization, kept the Cubs at bay, retiring 21 of the last 22 batters they faced. The impressive pitching performance was pivotal, highlighting the Dodgers' depth as they look to defend their World Series title.
This opening game set the stage for more excitement as the Dodgers prepare for the next matchup against the Cubs the following day at 6:10 AM ET. Roki Sasaki is set to make his MLB debut for the Dodgers, replacing Yamamoto, to face Cubs’ starter Justin Steele. The anticipation builds as fans look forward to seeing if the Dodgers can continue their momentum from this historic win.
Both teams celebrated the significance of baseball uniting cultures and talented players, with five Japanese-born players featured throughout the game. The Tokyo Dome's vibrant atmosphere, enhanced by fan excitement and promotional displays featuring Ohtani, ensured this opening day would be remembered for years to come. 42,635 loyal fans packed the stands, reflecting the global reach and love for Major League Baseball, especially as it intersects with its rich Japanese heritage.
With the Dodgers earning the W, they have set the tone for the 2025 season, emphasizing their determination to remain atop the league as champions. The critics might argue the pressure is on them, but for now, they bask in the brightness of success, poised for what’s next.
