The 2025 MLB season started off with excitement as the Los Angeles Dodgers claimed victory over the Chicago Cubs with a score of 4-1 on March 18, 2025, during Game 1 of the Tokyo Series at the Tokyo Dome. This game marked not only the beginning of the new season but also included historic milestones for the players involved.
Shohei Ohtani, the star player for the Dodgers, made his much-anticipated return to Japan, recording L.A.'s first hit of the new season. Fans were eager to see how the formerly reigning MVP would perform back on home soil. Notably, this game featured the first matchup between two Japanese-born pitchers on Opening Day, as Yoshinobu Yamamoto took the mound for the Dodgers against the Cubs' Shota Imanaga. This historic event added to the excitement around the game, which was MLB's first trip to Japan since 2019.
The Dodgers won even without the contributions of star players Mookie Betts and Freddie Freeman, the latter being unable to play due to rib discomfort, and Betts sidelined due to illness. Despite these absences, the team showcased depth and resilience, securing their first win of the 2025 season.
Yamamoto excelled during his five-inning outing, allowing only one run on three hits and issuing one walk, all whilst fanning four batters. The second inning saw Miguel Amaya driving home Dansby Swanson with a two-out double, putting the Cubs on the scoreboard first. Imanaga, conversely, had tumultuous innings; even though he didn’t allow any hits, he struggled with control, issuing four walks over the four innings he pitched.
The pivotal moment came during the fifth inning, when the Dodgers turned the game around after being held hitless for the first four frames. A series of strategic plays led to three runs scored, with Ohtani contributing significantly: his hard-hit single set the stage for subsequent hits from Tommy Edman and Will Smith. The inning began with Imanaga notching four walks but not allowing hits, something the Dodgers capitalized on by forcing Cubs manager Craig Counsell to call on the bullpen after Imanaga’s elevated pitch count reached 69. This decision backfired dramatically.
Not only did Ohtani score during this inning—the first Japanese-born player to score runs at the Tokyo Dome since Hideki Matsui—but he also added another run later on, sealing his status as the first Japanese-born player to score at least two runs during regular-season play at this legendary venue. His two-hit game was impressive, showcasing his ability to shine when it mattered most.
Yamamoto’s performance contributed to the Dodgers' command over the game. Statcast data showed he was throwing just shy of 94 mph with his splitter, leading to impressive statistics, including inducing 47% swinging strikes on his splitters. This marks Yamamoto’s strong rebound from last season’s struggles, during which he had faced questions after allowing five runs in his debut. With how he performed this time, he definitely solidified his standing with Astros fans and analysts alike.
Adding to the excitement, the Dodgers’ bullpen effectively closed the door on any hopes the Cubs had of responding offensively. Over the final frames, Dodgers relievers, including Tanner Scott—who struck out Matt Shaw for the final out—kept the Cubs quiet, surrendering only one baserunner after Ian Happ’s leadoff single back in the third inning. Scott, making his debut as the designated closer after signing a noteworthy four-year, $72 million contract, impressed by completing the game without allowing any hits.
After the exhilarating Opening Day game, the Dodgers and Cubs will meet again on March 19, 2025. The anticipation builds as Roki Sasaki prepares to make his MLB debut for the Dodgers, and the Cubs will counter with left-hander Justin Steele. Fans on both sides are eager to see how the matchups between these teams play out.
With the Dodgers off to such a thrilling start and Ohtani shining, it appears 2025 could be another grand year for this storied franchise, as they aim to defend their championship title against the competitive backdrop of Major League Baseball.
