MLB Tokyo Series 2025: Shohei Ohtani’s Los Angeles Dodgers Begin Title Defense with Win Over Chicago Cubs

The 2025 Major League Baseball season began with an unforgettable spectacle as the Los Angeles Dodgers, led by the two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani, faced off against the Chicago Cubs in the MLB Tokyo Series. Held at the iconic Tokyo Dome in Tokyo, Japan, the series marked a significant moment for the sport, showcasing not only Ohtani’s incredible talent but also the global reach and popularity of Major League Baseball. This year’s Tokyo Series took on even greater significance, as it heralded the start of Ohtani’s first season with the Dodgers, following his high-profile free-agent move from the Los Angeles Angels.

A Global Stage for Baseball

The MLB Tokyo Series has become a tradition, providing an opportunity for fans in Japan to experience live Major League Baseball action while also helping to promote the sport in Asia. Japan has produced some of the game’s most legendary players, including Ichiro Suzuki, Hideo Nomo, and Hideki Matsui, and the Tokyo Series serves as a reminder of the global nature of the game. The 2025 edition was particularly special because of Shohei Ohtani, one of the most electrifying players in baseball history, who had built a reputation as a transcendent talent while playing for the Angels.

Now, after his move to the Dodgers, Ohtani’s return to Japan, where he had made his mark playing for the Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters in Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB), brought extra excitement to the Tokyo Dome. Fans in Japan packed the stadium to see Ohtani perform as both a pitcher and hitter in front of his home crowd, while Major League Baseball also made sure to highlight the game’s ever-growing popularity in Asia.

Shohei Ohtani’s Historic Debut with the Dodgers

For Ohtani, the Tokyo Series was a pivotal moment in his career, marking his first regular-season games with the Los Angeles Dodgers after signing a massive contract in the offseason. The Dodgers, one of the most storied franchises in MLB history, had already solidified themselves as perennial contenders, and with Ohtani now in their lineup, they became an even more formidable force in the league.

Ohtani’s debut with the Dodgers came with immense expectations. Known for his dual-threat abilities as both a dominant starting pitcher and a powerful hitter, Ohtani’s presence instantly elevated the Dodgers’ roster. His addition to a lineup already featuring stars like Mookie Betts, Freddie Freeman, and Clayton Kershaw made the Dodgers the team to watch in 2025.

Game 1 of the Tokyo Series against the Chicago Cubs was nothing short of a spectacle. Ohtani, making his pitching debut for the Dodgers, took to the mound in front of a packed stadium, his electric fastball and devastating splitter on full display. As the game progressed, it became clear that Ohtani was going to be a force for the Dodgers in 2025, not just as a hitter but also as a pitcher capable of dominating on the mound.

In the first inning, Ohtani was as advertised. He struck out Cubs’ lead-off hitter Nico Hoerner with a high fastball that clocked in at 100 mph. The Tokyo Dome erupted, with fans giving their homegrown hero a standing ovation. Ohtani’s command of his pitches was sharp, and he quickly settled into a groove, retiring the Cubs’ batters with ease. His mix of a blazing fastball, slider, and splitter kept the Cubs’ lineup off balance, and by the third inning, Ohtani had struck out six batters, with only a single hit allowed.

The Dodgers’ Offensive Firepower

While Ohtani was masterful on the mound, the Dodgers’ offense provided plenty of support. Mookie Betts, who had been one of the best players in baseball for several years, continued his stellar play in 2025, setting the tone early with a leadoff double in the first inning. Freddie Freeman, the Dodgers’ veteran first baseman, followed with a single to center field, scoring Betts and giving the Dodgers an early 1-0 lead.

In the third inning, with Ohtani still cruising on the mound, the Dodgers’ bats broke open the game. Back-to-back home runs from Max Muncy and Will Smith put the Dodgers up 3-0. The Tokyo Dome crowd roared as Ohtani stepped to the plate in the bottom of the third, his first at-bat in a Dodgers uniform in Japan. Ohtani, known for his power, delivered with a deep double into the gap, showing that his bat was just as dangerous as his arm. His hitting prowess, combined with his pitching dominance, made the Dodgers even more dangerous.

As the game wore on, the Cubs tried to fight back, with several hard-hit balls, but Ohtani’s pitching held firm. The Cubs were able to score one run in the sixth inning, courtesy of a solo home run from Ian Happ, but Ohtani quickly regained control and struck out the next two batters, leaving the Cubs’ rally short-lived.

By the time the game entered the eighth inning, the Dodgers had built a commanding 5-1 lead. Ohtani had thrown seven innings of one-run ball, striking out ten Cubs’ batters in the process. His fastball was still reaching triple digits, and his off-speed stuff continued to confound the Cubs’ hitters. It was a masterclass in pitching, and fans in Japan and around the world were witnessing something truly special.

The Final Push: Dodgers’ Bullpen Solidifies the Win

The Dodgers’ bullpen, which had been one of the best in MLB in 2024, took over in the eighth inning. Brusdar Graterol, the hard-throwing reliever, came in and struck out the side in the eighth, while Evan Phillips closed out the game in the ninth, securing the 5-1 victory for the Dodgers. The win was a perfect start to their title defense, and Ohtani’s all-around performance – both as a pitcher and a hitter – set the stage for what would be an exciting season.

After the game, Ohtani was lauded for his incredible performance, with fans and analysts alike marveling at his seamless transition to the Dodgers. Manager Dave Roberts praised Ohtani for his maturity on the mound and his leadership in the clubhouse, noting that the team was excited to have such a dynamic player leading their charge in 2025. “Shohei is exactly what we thought he’d be and more,” said Roberts. “He’s a special talent, and we’re lucky to have him.”

For the Cubs, the loss was a tough one, but they showed resilience, and with players like Dansby Swanson, Cody Bellinger, and Christopher Morel, they were poised to bounce back. Cubs’ manager David Ross acknowledged the challenge the Dodgers presented, particularly with Ohtani’s dominance on both sides of the ball. “It’s tough to face a guy like Ohtani,” Ross said. “You know you’re up against one of the best in the game, but we’ll adjust and be ready for the next one.”

Looking Ahead: The 2025 MLB Season and Beyond

The Dodgers’ win over the Cubs in the Tokyo Series was more than just a statement of their dominance in 2025. It was a reminder of the global reach of Major League Baseball and the continuing rise of Shohei Ohtani as one of the game’s biggest stars. Ohtani’s ability to impact the game on both sides of the ball – as a pitcher and a hitter – places him in a category few players have ever entered. His presence with the Dodgers adds another layer of excitement to an already star-studded roster, and the team’s title defense will be something fans around the world are eager to follow.

With Ohtani at the helm, the Dodgers are set to be the team to beat in the National League. The combination of their pitching staff, offensive depth, and Ohtani’s unique talents makes them the favorites to win the World Series in 2025. However, the Cubs and other National League teams, such as the Atlanta Braves, the New York Mets, and the St. Louis Cardinals, will be formidable opponents throughout the season.

As the 2025 season unfolds, one thing is clear: the Los Angeles Dodgers, with Shohei Ohtani leading the way, are primed for another championship run. Ohtani’s dual-threat abilities continue to captivate the baseball world, and his performance in the Tokyo Series only reaffirmed his place as one of the most exciting and influential players in Major League Baseball today.

For fans in Japan, the Tokyo Series was a celebration of baseball and the return of a homegrown hero to the global stage. As Ohtani took the field in Tokyo, it was a reminder of how far the game has come and how deeply baseball is woven into the fabric of cultures around the world. Whether he’s pitching or hitting, Shohei Ohtani remains a once-in-a-generation talent whose impact on the game will be felt for years to come.