Dodgers Defeat Cubs 4-1 in Historic MLB Tokyo Series Opener

The 2025 MLB season began with the first-ever Opening Day matchup between Japanese pitchers as Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto led the Dodgers to victory.

The Dodgers secured a 4-1 win over the Cubs in the Tokyo Dome, marking the start of the 2025 MLB season with a two-game international series.
The game featured the first Opening Day matchup in MLB history between two Japanese pitchers, Yoshinobu Yamamoto of the Dodgers and Shota Imanaga of the Cubs.
Shohei Ohtani contributed two hits, including a double, scored twice, and was instrumental in a three-run fifth inning rally for the Dodgers.
Yamamoto pitched five solid innings, allowing one run on three hits, while Imanaga threw four hitless innings but walked four batters before being relieved.
Pregame festivities included a Pokémon-themed ceremony and a performance by Japanese composer Yoshiki, underscoring MLB's efforts to celebrate cultural exchange and expand its global presence.