Dodgers Defeat Cubs 4-1 in Historic Tokyo Opener

The Los Angeles Dodgers opened the 2025 MLB season with a 4-1 victory against the Chicago Cubs at the Tokyo Dome, marking the return of MLB games to Japan after six years. Shohei Ohtani led the team with two hits, while starting pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto earned his first win, allowing only one run over five innings. The game featured a significant turning point in the fifth inning, where the Dodgers capitalized on a pitching change by the Cubs, scoring three runs. Despite the absence of key players like Mookie Betts and Freddie Freeman, the Dodgers showcased their versatility, particularly in their pitching, as they retired 16 consecutive batters—a feat last achieved by the Yankees in 1979. The Dodgers' bullpen continued the momentum, ensuring the Cubs were kept scoreless following Yamamoto’s departure. The teams are set to face off again in the second game of the Tokyo Series, with the Dodgers aiming for a sweep.