The Los Angeles Dodgers and Chicago Cubs are back in action at the Tokyo Dome for the second game of the 2025 season. Wednesday’s matchup is particularly special as Japanese phenom Rōki Sasaki makes his much-anticipated MLB debut on home soil.
The 23-year-old right-hander dominated in Nippon Professional Baseball, posting a 2.10 ERA across 64 games before signing with the reigning World Series champion Dodgers. Sasaki joins an elite group of Japanese stars in Los Angeles, alongside Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto.
Dodgers Take Game 1 of Tokyo Series
Tuesday’s opener saw the Dodgers claim a 4-1 victory, powered by Ohtani’s two-hit performance and a solid outing from Yamamoto, who allowed just one run over five innings. Now, Sasaki takes the mound for Los Angeles, squaring off against Cubs left-hander Justin Steele.
Following this international showcase, both teams will return to the U.S. to prepare for the domestic Opening Day on March 27.
Shohei Ohtani Launches First Homer of the Season
After the Cubs trimmed the deficit with an RBI single from Ian Happ in the fourth inning, Shohei Ohtani electrified the Tokyo Dome crowd with a towering home run. Facing Cubs reliever Nate Pearson, Ohtani turned on a 99.1 mph fastball, sending it deep to right-center field.
The ball initially appeared to be deflected by a fan but was confirmed as a home run after review, marking Ohtani’s first blast of the 2025 season. The slugger led the National League last year with 54 home runs and 130 RBIs.
Rōki Sasaki’s Debut Ends After Three Innings
Sasaki’s highly anticipated MLB debut wrapped up after three innings. The young right-hander flashed his signature velocity, touching 100 mph multiple times, but struggled with command. His final line: 3 IP, 1 H, 1 ER, 5 BB, 3 K on 56 pitches. Luis Garcia took over for the Dodgers in the fourth inning.
Dodgers Extend Lead with Kike Hernández’s Homer
The Dodgers added to their lead in the top of the fourth, thanks to a two-run shot from Kike Hernández off Justin Steele. This came after the Cubs scored in the third via a bases-loaded walk.
Statistically, the Dodgers have been dominant when hitting multiple home runs in a game. Since 2023, they hold a .789 winning percentage (112-30) when clearing the fences twice or more.
Tommy Edman Delivers Tokyo’s First Home Run of the Season
The Tokyo Dome faithful waited until Game 2 to see their first home run of the 2025 season. Dodgers second baseman Tommy Edman delivered the moment in the third inning, launching a deep drive into the left-field seats off Steele.
As the MLB Tokyo Series continues to unfold, fans can expect more excitement as these two teams battle before heading back to the States.
