TOKYO, JAPAN - MARCH 18: Yoshinobu Yamamoto #18 of the Los Angeles Dodgers reacts after the bottom of the fifth inning during the MLB Tokyo Series game against Chicago Cubs at Tokyo Dome on March 18, 2025 in Tokyo, Japan. (Photo by Masterpress/Getty Images)
The Los Angeles Dodgers opened the 2025 MLB season with a 4-1 win over the Chicago Cubs in the Tokyo Series opener on March 18th. Despite missing Freddie Freeman (rib discomfort) and Mookie Betts (illness), the Dodgers got the job done at the Tokyo Dome.
Shohei Ohtani led the way offensively, going 2-for-5 and finishing as the only Dodgers hitter with multiple hits. Tommy Edman, Teoscar Hernández, and Will Smith each chipped in with an RBI, helping power L.A. to the win.
On the Cubs’ side, Shota Imanaga was sharp early, not allowing a hit over four innings. However, control issues became a problem as he walked four batters, driving up his pitch count and leading to an early exit.
Meanwhile, Yoshinobu Yamamoto took the mound for the Dodgers and turned in a solid performance. He pitched five innings, allowing one run on three hits, striking out four, and walking one. The Cubs’ lone run came in the second inning when Miguel Amaya knocked in Dansby Swanson with an RBI single.
The Dodgers broke through in the fifth inning, taking advantage of the Cubs’ bullpen. Edman tied the game with an RBI single, followed by a Hernández RBI groundout and a Will Smith RBI single, putting L.A. in control.
Tanner Scott came in to pitch the ninth inning and shut the door, earning his first save of the season and his first save as a Dodger to seal the win.
