A Historic Series: Dodgers’ Dominance in the 2025 MLB Tokyo Series

The 2025 MLB Tokyo Series between the Los Angeles Dodgers and Chicago Cubs was an event that captured the attention of baseball fans across the globe. Played at the Tokyo Dome, this two-game exhibition series not only provided a thrilling competition but also marked a milestone for the sport. For both players and fans alike, it was an unforgettable event, with Shohei Ohtani returning to his home country and Roki Sasaki making his much-anticipated MLB debut.

Shohei Ohtani: A Superstar Returns to Japan

Shohei Ohtani’s return to Japan was one of the most highly anticipated moments of the Tokyo Series. Ohtani, a two-way superstar for the Los Angeles Dodgers, had played in Japan before making his mark in Major League Baseball. But this was different. His first home run in the 2025 season would come in front of his home crowd, in his home country—a moment that would leave a lasting impact on the game.

Ohtani’s fifth-inning solo home run against Cubs pitcher Justin Steele was a defining moment of the game. The ball soared high and deep toward the right-center field wall, clearing it just barely for a home run. The crowd roared in excitement, acknowledging the return of their beloved star. Initially, there was some confusion regarding whether the ball had cleared the wall, but after a brief review, the umpires confirmed that the ball had indeed left the park, much to the delight of Ohtani and the fans.

Interestingly, this moment would later become even more memorable for one young fan. A 10-year-old boy from Saitama caught Ohtani’s home run ball after it bounced off the stands, falling back onto the field. Cubs center fielder Pete Crow-Armstrong, aware of the situation, threw the ball back into the stands, giving the boy the chance to catch it for himself. The gesture was a heartwarming reminder of the global connection that baseball fosters, especially in a place where Ohtani’s star power is unmatched. For the young fan, this moment would surely be one of the highlights of his life.

Beyond the emotional moment of the home run, Ohtani’s presence was felt throughout the series. As a designated hitter, Ohtani contributed significantly to the Dodgers’ offense, not just with his bat but with his leadership and the international spotlight he brought to the Tokyo Series. This was a rare opportunity for the Japanese fans to witness Ohtani’s genius firsthand, and he did not disappoint.

Roki Sasaki: The Future of Baseball

The Tokyo Series also served as the stage for Roki Sasaki’s MLB debut. Sasaki, a young pitcher from Japan, had been generating buzz even before his arrival in the United States. Known for his electric fastball and devastating splitter, Sasaki had been considered one of the top pitching prospects in the world, with many comparing him to some of the best pitchers the game has ever seen. The Dodgers signed him in the offseason, and his debut in the Tokyo Series was highly anticipated.

Although Sasaki’s debut didn’t go without its struggles, it was a promising start. Over three innings, he allowed just one run on a single hit but faced issues with control. Sasaki walked five batters during his brief stint on the mound, an area he will need to improve upon as he transitions into Major League Baseball. Despite the control problems, Sasaki’s stuff was as advertised—he regularly reached the mid-90s with his fastball and showed off his devastating splitter, which had the potential to make him one of the best in the game.

Sasaki’s debut might not have been flawless, but it was a clear indication of why so much excitement surrounds his future in MLB. His ability to get out of jams and limit the Cubs’ offense, despite the walks, demonstrated his poise under pressure. As he continues to adapt to the higher level of competition in MLB, expect Sasaki to develop into a major force in the Dodgers’ rotation.

The Dodgers’ Offense: Depth and Power

While Ohtani and Sasaki’s performances were front and center, the Dodgers’ offense also played a key role in securing the win in this game. Enrique Hernández, one of the Dodgers’ veteran players, delivered a standout performance with three RBIs. His two-run home run in the fourth inning provided the Dodgers with the necessary cushion to hold off any potential comeback from the Cubs.

Tommy Edman also chipped in with a solo home run, further adding to the Dodgers’ offensive dominance. Edman, known for his versatility, has been a key addition to the Dodgers’ lineup, providing depth and athleticism. His timely home run was another example of the Dodgers’ ability to capitalize on scoring opportunities and generate offense from multiple sources.

As a team, the Dodgers produced six runs on eight hits, showcasing a balanced and potent lineup. While much of the attention was on Ohtani and Sasaki, the Dodgers’ offensive depth was a key factor in their victory, with players like Hernández, Edman, and others contributing to the overall success.

The Cubs’ Resilience: A Tough Loss

On the other side of the ball, the Chicago Cubs showed resilience, but they ultimately came up short in the series. The Cubs’ offense was quieted by the strong pitching performances of the Dodgers’ staff, but they did manage to string together some hits. Jon Berti was one of the bright spots for the Cubs, going 3-for-4 on the day and contributing to the team’s eight-hit total. However, despite Berti’s efforts, the Cubs were unable to capitalize on their opportunities, stranding a number of runners in scoring position.

Starting pitcher Justin Steele was charged with the loss after allowing five runs on five hits over four innings. Steele’s struggles were compounded by a lack of run support from the Cubs’ offense, as they could not break through against the Dodgers’ pitching staff. Nevertheless, the Cubs showed signs of promise, and the series served as a valuable learning experience for their younger players.

A Game for the Ages: A Global Celebration of Baseball

In the end, the 2025 MLB Tokyo Series was a celebration of the game’s global appeal. It showcased two teams from different parts of the world, but what brought them together was their shared passion for baseball. The Dodgers’ sweep of the Cubs marked a successful start to the season, but the true story was the atmosphere in Tokyo. The city embraced the event with enthusiasm, and it was clear that baseball’s reach extended far beyond the United States. Fans from Japan, many of whom had followed the Dodgers and Cubs for years, were treated to a special spectacle.

The combination of Shohei Ohtani’s return to Japan, Roki Sasaki’s debut, and the Dodgers’ strong all-around performance made this series one of the most memorable in recent years. For baseball fans in Japan, it was a chance to witness the best players in the world compete in their own backyard. For the Dodgers and Cubs, it was an opportunity to expand their brand internationally and be part of a historic moment in the sport’s history.

As the season moves forward, the Dodgers will look to build on their success from the Tokyo Series, while the Cubs will look to regroup and learn from the experience. But for now, the lasting memories from this series will be those of Ohtani’s home run, Sasaki’s debut, and the electric atmosphere in Tokyo, where baseball’s global reach was on full display. It was a reminder of why this sport holds such a special place in the hearts of fans around the world.

The Future is Bright

With stars like Ohtani continuing to showcase their incredible talent and young prospects like Sasaki making waves on the big stage, the future of baseball is as exciting as ever. The MLB Tokyo Series served as a shining example of the game’s ever-expanding international presence, and it’s safe to say that baseball’s popularity in Japan—and across the world—will only continue to grow.

This event was a celebration of the game, its players, and its fans. And while it was only a small part of the larger MLB season, it was one that will be remembered for years to come as a landmark in the sport’s history. The 2025 MLB Tokyo Series proved once again that baseball truly is a global game.