Dodgers Defeat Cubs 4-1 in Historic Tokyo MLB Opener
The 2025 MLB season began with the first-ever Opening Day matchup between Japanese starting pitchers, as Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto led the Dodgers to victory.
- Shohei Ohtani had two hits, scored twice, and contributed to the Dodgers’ fifth-inning rally that secured the win.
- Yoshinobu Yamamoto pitched five strong innings, allowing one run and striking out four, in the first Opening Day matchup of Japanese pitchers in MLB history.
- The Dodgers capitalized on a Cubs defensive error during a three-run fifth inning after reliever Ben Brown replaced Shota Imanaga.
- The Tokyo Dome was sold out, with tickets reaching record resale prices, as fans celebrated Japanese baseball talent and MLB's growing global presence.
- The Dodgers were without key players Mookie Betts and Freddie Freeman, but still showcased their depth and resilience in the season opener.
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