In a thrilling start to the 2025 MLB season, the Los Angeles Dodgers showcased their dominance in the Tokyo Series, sweeping the Chicago Cubs with a 6-3 victory in the finale held at the iconic Tokyo Dome. The game not only highlighted the Dodgers' impressive roster but also marked the debut of their exciting new pitcher, Roki Sasaki.
The Dodgers kicked off the season by taking both games of the series, following a previous 4-1 triumph over the Cubs. Packed stands erupted in cheers as Tommy Edman and Shohei Ohtani each sent the baseball sailing over the outfield wall, with Ohtani's blast later confirmed by replay, sending Japanese fans into a frenzy.
At just 23 years old, Sasaki was the center of attention. The Dodgers signed the promising young right-hander this offseason on a team-friendly contract that includes a $6.5 million bonus alongside the league-minimum salary of $760,000. His highly anticipated debut, however, was a mixed bag of excitement and concern.
Sasaki displayed remarkable speed on the mound, including one pitch clocked at an astonishing 101 mph, alongside others hitting 100 and 99 mph. Despite showing flashes of brilliance, he struggled with command as evident in his four walks throughout his four-inning outing, where he allowed only one run and one hit while striking out four. His fastball, while explosive, also went astray at times, underscoring the need for improvement.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts offered insights on Sasaki’s performance, stating, “When you have youth and talent like Roki, what that introduces is variance. So there are going to be some really high highs and some things that you just don’t know because of his inexperience.” He emphasized the need for patience as the Dodgers help Sasaki adjust to the pace of major league baseball.
The game began with the Cubs aiming to bounce back after their earlier defeat. However, the Dodgers quickly established themselves with the help of Edman, who crushed a home run in the fourth inning, and Hernandez, who added a two-run blast that stretched the lead to 6-3.
As the game progressed, Sasaki found himself in trouble during the innings, particularly in the second where he walked two consecutive batters, allowing the Cubs’ offense to inch closer. With three walks in the third, he forced in a run, leaving the Dodgers with only a two-run lead. Despite the struggles, Sasaki managed to strike out key hitters, demonstrating his potential under pressure.
Sasaki’s overall performance drew mixed reactions, but it also fueled excitement for future games. According to Roberts, “I’m just going to wait and see because I’m still trying to learn Roki as a professional pitcher.”
The player from Chiba, Japan, is one of the latest dazzling prospects the Dodgers have signed, continuing their trend of acquiring top-tier talent from Japan. The franchise has now successfully signed three high-profile Japanese players in recent years, promoting a strong cultural exchange in baseball and broadening their international appeal.
Amid this backdrop, the Tokyo Dome was buzzing with excitement, and hundreds of loyal fans lined the streets, supporting their homegrown talents on the global stage. Will Smith, the Dodgers’ catcher, expressed feelings of homecoming as he basked in the support from local fans, aptly calling Japan his new home during this unforgettable series.
This enthusiastic reception solidified the Dodgers' strategy in engaging with the Japanese audience, popularizing the sport further in Asia and expanding their fan base overseas. The 'Japan Dodgers,' as some fans affectionately refer to them, exemplified the international spirit of baseball during this historic series.
Returning to the field, the Cubs, in their attempts to rally back, found it difficult to break through Dodgers' exceptional defense and pitching. Chicago struggled to capitalize on scoring opportunities, leaving multiple runners on base while facing fierce pitching from the likes of Sasaki and subsequent relievers.
Despite the challenges, they showed resilience but ultimately could not keep pace with the Dodgers’ offensive onslaught. Each late-game inning grew more desperate for the Cubs, ultimately succumbing to the Dodgers’ power and precision by the ninth inning.
In conclusion, the 2025 Tokyo Series generated excitement not only for its baseball action but also for cultivating deeper international ties. The successful double-header underscored the Dodgers' commitment to bolstering their roster with elite talent and fostering fan engagement beyond borders. As the Dodgers gear up for the remainder of the season, the lessons learned and connections formed through this series promise exciting developments for both Major League Baseball and its global audience.
