Shohei Ohtani homered at the Tokyo Dome on March 19, 2025, in a triumphant return that excited roughly 42,000 fans during the Los Angeles Dodgers' game against the Chicago Cubs. The reigning National League MVP turned on a 99 mph fastball from Cubs pitcher Nate Pearson, belting a solo home run that barely cleared the right-centerfield fence. The crowd erupted in joy as the umpires upheld the home run following a review, pushing the Dodgers' lead to 6-2.
Ohtani expressed his relief and joy after hitting the ball that he believed might not make it to the stands. "I'm relieved to have got my first home run. 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 noted. The game was a part of a two-game series held in Japan, marking a memorable event for a player who has made significant waves in Major League Baseball.
Earlier in the series, Ohtani also made an impact in the first game on March 18, where he recorded two hits, helping the Dodgers secure a 4-1 victory against the Cubs. In total, Ohtani had three hits across the two games, proving instrumental in his team’s strong show against Chicago.
This was not only a personal achievement for Ohtani but also a notable moment in a historical context, as he joined Hideki Matsui as one of the few Japanese-born players to hit a home run in a regular season MLB game at the Tokyo Dome.
Ohtani’s homer continued the Dodgers' offensive onslaught, which also featured Tommy Edman's first home run of the 2025 MLB season—a solo shot in the third inning—and Enrique Hernández's two-run blast in the fourth inning to help seal the Dodgers’ 6-3 victory over the Cubs. The win secured the Dodgers a successful sweep in Japan, giving their fans plenty to cheer.
Much attention was focused on new Dodgers pitcher Roki Sasaki, who debuted amid great anticipation but faced challenges in his outing. The 23-year-old threw just 25 of his 56 pitches for strikes and walked five batters in three innings, allowing only one run but struggling to establish control. His fastball, recorded at speeds up to 100.5 mph, showcased his talent, though his command left much to be desired.
Despite Sasaki's shaky debut, the Dodgers’ robust performance overwhelmed the Cubs, who were missing key players from their lineup, including Mookie Betts due to illness and Freddie Freeman due to rib discomfort. Both players have been significant contributors in the past, and their absence was felt in the lineup. However, the team's depth was evident, and their ability to capitalize on the Cubs' pitching struggles paved the way for a historic win.
The atmosphere inside the Tokyo Dome was electric, filled with cheers as Ohtani delivered that anticipated home run. The fans, who have followed his journey closely, showed their admiration in a visible display of support throughout the game. Their spirits remained high, even when the Cubs’ strategy turned defensive later in the game. In the seventh inning, the Cubs intentionally walked Ohtani when he returned to the plate with a runner on second and two outs, prompting boos from the crowd who wanted to see their star in action again.
After the game, Ohtani reflected on the importance of both his performance and the camaraderie of the team, saying, "We've made a good start winning two straight games in Tokyo. We've made a really nice memory." His sentiments were echoed by teammate Michael Conforto, who emphasized Ohtani’s knack for coming through in crucial moments: "In big moments, he seems to just do what the fans want him to do... You just had the feeling that he was going to go out there and do it for the fans tonight, and he did exactly that."
As the Dodgers and Cubs prepare to return to their respective training and regular-season schedules, the excitement around Ohtani's performances remains palpable. The Dodgers are set to face the Detroit Tigers on March 27, 2025, as they carry the momentum from Japan back into the domestic season. Meanwhile, the Cubs will travel to face the Arizona Diamondbacks, looking to regroup after a disappointing series. Ohtani’s remarkable abilities on the field continue to captivate both American and Japanese fans, marking the beginning of yet another enthralling season in Major League Baseball.
