Dodgers Defeat Cubs 4-1 in Historic Tokyo MLB Opener

The Los Angeles Dodgers opened their 2024 season with a 4-1 victory over the Chicago Cubs in Tokyo, marking the first Major League Baseball game of the year and an effort to globalize the sport. Shohei Ohtani contributed with two hits and two runs, while Yoshinobu Yamamoto impressed in his MLB debut, allowing one run over five innings. The game featured the first all-Japanese starting pitching matchup on Opening Day in MLB history, showcasing the talents of Yamamoto and the Cubs' Shota Imanaga. Despite a strong start, Dodgers star Freddie Freeman was scratched from the game due to rib discomfort. Tickets for the series have been in high demand, reflecting Ohtani's popularity in Japan. The Dodgers and Cubs are set to face off again for a second game in Tokyo, featuring rookie Roki Sasaki's debut.