On March 18, 2025, the Los Angeles Dodgers opened the 2025 Major League Baseball season with a commanding 4-1 victory against the Chicago Cubs at the Tokyo Dome. This win began the two-game Tokyo Series, with a strong performance from Dodgers pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto, who led the charge against the Cubs.
Shota Imanaga started strong for the Cubs, pitching four no-hit innings but struggled with walks, issuing four, which cast shadows over his otherwise effective performance. The Dodgers, facing Imanaga, managed only one hit during those early innings, as the Japanese pitcher struck out two but also walked four. It was evident early on, as Imanaga battled control issues, eventually leading to his removal after his pitch count climbed to 69.
The Dodgers finally broke through against the Cubs' bullpen during the fifth inning, where reliever Ben Brown took the mound to replace Imanaga. The inning started with Andy Pages walking, followed by Shohei Ohtani’s single, which put runners at the corners. Tommy Edman then stepped up to the plate and tied the game with his own single, scoring Pages. Unfortunately for the Cubs, Jon Berti’s throwing error during the same play allowed Ohtani to cross home plate, giving the Dodgers the lead at 2-1. Will Smith added to the Dodgers' lead with another single, drawing the score to 3-1.
Brown was charged with three earned runs over 2.2 innings, showing flashes of promise with five strikeouts but marred by inconsistencies highlighted by his high walk count. The Cubs had entered this season hoping to shake off last year's disappointing performances, and with Brown returning from injury, there were high hopes. While he did manage effectiveness at times, the late-inning collapse proved detrimental.
The Cubs scored first, taking the lead thanks to Dansby Swanson, who hit a hard shot for a single early in the second inning. Miguel Amaya capitalized on Swanson’s hit with a double, bringing him home and quickly putting the Cubs up 1-0. Yet, after this promising start, the Cubs' offense stalled, accumulating only three hits through the entire game. After Amaya's scoring hit, Ian Happ managed to get on base with a single, but overall, the Cubs went more than five innings without managing another baserunner, unable to connect against the Dodgers' bullpen, which continued to show its improvements from last season.
Yamamoto performed admirably, earning the win with five innings of work—allowing one run and three hits—while fanning four batters. He navigated through trouble well when needed and exemplified why he is considered one of the rising stars. Tanner Scott secured the win for the Dodgers, pitching perfectly through the ninth inning and sending the Cubs back to the dugout with little more than disappointment.
The final run for the Dodgers came when Hernandez scored Ohtani with another well-placed hit, ending the game with the Dodgers comfortably on top, 4-1. This win marks another season-opening setback for the Cubs, who now face the pressing challenge of quickly regrouping for the series finale.
The defeat serves as another jarring reminder of the Cubs' struggles, especially against formidable pitching and defensive lapses, illustrated by the costly throwing error from Berti. Their only chance for redemption where they must find consistency on both ends appears to hinge on their ability to rally and capitalize during the next game.
With Justin Steele set to pitch against Dodgers rookie Roki Sasaki on March 19, 2025, the Cubs will be eager to split the series and put forth their best efforts after such a disappointing loss. Fans are hopeful for improvement, but the stakes are high.
