The Los Angeles Dodgers secured the first victory of the 2025 MLB season, defeating the Chicago Cubs 4-1 in the opening game of the Tokyo Series at the Tokyo Dome on Tuesday night. This win was largely propelled by a dominant pitching performance from the reigning World Series champions. Yoshinobu Yamamoto started for the Dodgers, overcoming a minor setback in the second inning to deliver a strong outing. The bullpen followed suit, maintaining the team’s momentum.
Los Angeles Dodgers Pitchers Match 46-Year-Old Record During Tokyo Series
Notably, the Dodgers’ pitching staff achieved a feat unseen in nearly five decades, last accomplished by the New York Yankees in 1979. “The Dodgers retired 16 straight batters at one point today,” Sarah Langs of MLB.com reported on X (formerly Twitter). “They’re the first reigning WS champs to retire 15+ straight on Opening Day since the 1979 Yankees (also 16).”
While the Dodgers’ offense initially struggled against Cubs starter Shota Imanaga, they found their rhythm in the fifth inning, scoring three runs after Imanaga’s departure. Shohei Ohtani played a pivotal role in this offensive surge, giving the Dodgers a lead they maintained throughout the remainder of the game.
Yamamoto pitched five innings, allowing only one earned run on three hits, with one walk and four strikeouts. The Dodgers’ bullpen, consisting of Anthony Banda, Ben Casparius, Blake Treinen, and Tanner Scott, delivered four scoreless innings, retiring 16 consecutive batters, with Scott earning the save.
The Dodgers now have the opportunity to sweep the Cubs in the Tokyo Series, with Roki Sasaki scheduled to start the series finale against Justin Steele. Following the Tokyo Series, the Dodgers will conclude their spring training schedule with a three-game series against the Los Angeles Angels before their home opener on March 27 against the Detroit Tigers.