In what many are calling an exhilarating start to the 2025 Major League Baseball season, Shohei Ohtani hit his first home run, and fellow rookie Roki Sasaki had a memorable debut, propelling the Los Angeles Dodgers to a 6-3 victory over the Chicago Cubs in the second game of their two-game opening series at the Tokyo Dome.
The reigning National League MVP, Ohtani, gave fans plenty to cheer about when he launched a solo shot to right-center in the fifth inning off Cubs reliever Nate Pearson, extending the Dodgers' lead to 6-2. This spectacular moment was witnessed by a packed house of 42,367 baseball enthusiasts who filled every corner of the Tokyo Dome.
"I'm relieved to have got my first home run," Ohtani expressed after the game. "I thought it was going to easily fly into the stands, but it turned out to be a bit of a borderline. But I'm happy to have hit one." He added, "We've made a good start, winning two straight games in Tokyo. We've made a really nice memory." Ohtani's home run not only marked a significant personal milestone but also made him the second Japanese player to hit a home run in an MLB regular-season game at the Tokyo Dome, following Hideki Matsui, who did so in 2004.
Meanwhile, Sasaki made headlines during his major league debut. Widely regarded as one of the brightest young talents in baseball, he faced off against the Cubs amid high expectations. However, the 23-year-old right-hander struggled with his control, throwing just 25 of his 56 pitches for strikes and walking five batters during three innings of work. Despite these challenges, Sasaki managed to limit the Cubs to one run and one hit, striking out three batters along the way. After the game, he remained positive, acknowledging the nerves that likely affected his performance. "I couldn't really pitch the way I wanted to, but it was good to keep the team in the game," Sasaki noted, adding, "Things could get even worse."
The Dodgers certainly capitalized on their opportunities, batting deep into the Cubs' pitching staff. Tommy Edman hit a solo homer in the third, marking the beginning of a series of home runs by the Dodgers. Enrique Hernandez joined the party with a two-run blast in the fourth inning, giving the Dodgers a comfortable lead early on. This offensive onslaught helped build the team's momentum throughout the game.
The overall match showcased some standout performances, including Landon Knack, who claimed the win in relief, and Alex Vesia, who skillfully navigated a two-on jam to close out the game in the ninth inning. Conversely, Cubs left-hander Justin Steele entered the game with high hopes only to struggle, giving up five runs on five hits, including two home runs, during his four innings on the mound.
But the festivities did not just revolve around the game itself. In conjunction with the Tokyo Series, Ralph Lauren launched a new MLB capsule collection, celebrating the various teams involved, including the Dodgers, Cubs, and the New York Yankees. The capsule featured an array of stylish apparel such as satin varsity jackets and baseball caps, catering to both adults and children alike.
Fans could enjoy merchandise and engage in various activities, including an interactive “fan zone” at Shibuya Miyashita Park, designed to celebrate baseball culture in Japan. As part of this initiative, Ralph Lauren also set up pop-up shops where attendees could purchase the newly launched items.
The Tokyo Series offered a thrilling atmosphere not only for the fans in attendance but also for the players, who were able to showcase their skills in front of their home crowd. The excitement echoed through the Dome as baseball fans shared in the dynamic appreciation and interpretation of this beloved sport.
The energy in the stadium was palpable, especially every time Ohtani stepped up to bat. It was an atmosphere that felt almost electric, and when the star player was intentionally walked in the seventh inning, the crowd’s boos resonated across the arena—a rare moment for someone of Ohtani's caliber. His home run not only delighted the fans but also added to the magical experience of the series.
As the series wrapped up with the Dodgers victorious, the team set off for the United States, carrying with them a winning streak that has continued from their previous season, further solidifying their status as reigning World Series champions.
Overall, the Tokyo Series has been a remarkable celebration of baseball, the cultural connections shared through the sport, and moments that fans will cherish for years to come. The arrival of the new season in MLB on March 27 promises even more captivating encounters, continuing the legacy of the sport.
