The start of baseball season is finally here, and what a way to kick it off! Major League Baseball opened with a historic matchup in Tokyo, Japan, where the Los Angeles Dodgers defeated the Chicago Cubs 4-1.
But the big question remains—can the Dodgers sustain this dominance all season?
The game had everything: two Japanese pitchers making history, Shohei Ohtani delivering for his home fans, and a Dodgers team that showed why they are defending champions. However, the Cubs had their moments too. So, was this game a sign of what’s to come, or just an early-season statement?
Did Yamamoto Prove He’s Worth the Hype?
All eyes were on Yoshinobu Yamamoto, the highly anticipated Japanese pitcher making his MLB debut. With the pressure of starting for the World Series champions in his home country, how did he perform?
Yamamoto didn’t disappoint. He pitched five solid innings, giving up just one run on three hits and a walk, while striking out four. He showed great command and handled the moment well.
But is this enough to prove he’s worth the $325 million contract the Dodgers gave him?
The Cubs struck first, taking a 1-0 lead in the second inning thanks to a two-out double by Miguel Amaya, which drove in Dansby Swanson. After that, Yamamoto settled in, and the Dodgers’ bullpen completely shut down Chicago’s offense for the rest of the game.
This was an impressive start, but let’s not forget—it’s just one game. Will Yamamoto be able to keep this up against stronger lineups throughout the season?
START OF BASEBALL SEASON: Ohtani Delivers, But Is He Fully Healthy?
Shohei Ohtani was the biggest attraction of the night. Playing in front of his home fans, Ohtani delivered with two hits, including a ninth-inning double, and scored twice.
Ohtani wasn’t just a sideshow—he was a major factor in the Dodgers’ victory. His first hit, a single, helped spark a three-run rally in the fifth inning that changed the game.
But here’s the concern—is Ohtani truly at 100%?
He’s coming off elbow surgery and will not pitch this season. While his bat looked strong, the real test will come as the season progresses. Can he stay healthy and continue producing at an elite level?
The Dodgers are betting on him in a big way after signing him to a record-breaking $700 million contract. If he stays healthy, L.A. could be unstoppable. But if injuries creep in, will the Dodgers regret this massive deal?
START OF BASEBALL SEASON: Can the Cubs Bounce Back After This Loss?
Chicago had its chances in this game. Shota Imanaga pitched four scoreless innings, allowing no hits but walking four batters.
The Cubs even had an early 1-0 lead, but their offense completely disappeared after the third inning. They didn’t record a single hit for the rest of the game.
So what went wrong?
A critical error by Jon Berti in the fifth inning allowed the Dodgers to take control. Ben Brown, the Cubs’ reliever, struggled to contain the damage, and just like that, the Cubs found themselves trailing.
But here’s the big question—can the Cubs’ offense find consistency?
Chicago has a solid lineup, but in this game, they simply failed to capitalize after the second inning. If they can’t find more offensive production, will they struggle in a competitive NL Central?
START OF BASEBALL SEASON: Are the Dodgers Still the Team to Beat?
The Dodgers made a statement in this season opener. They dominated without two of their biggest stars—Freddie Freeman and Mookie Betts.
Freeman was scratched before the game due to rib discomfort, while Betts is missing the Tokyo series due to illness. Even without them, the Dodgers still managed to put together a complete team performance.
But will the depth of this roster be enough for a full season?
The pitching staff looked excellent, with Yamamoto, Anthony Banda, Ben Casparius, and Blake Treinen combining to retire 16 straight Cubs batters from the third to the eighth inning. This kind of dominance is what wins championships.
However, one game doesn’t define a season. The Dodgers were favorites last year, too, but they barely survived the playoffs. Are they truly built to go back-to-back?
START OF BASEBALL SEASON: What’s Next for These Teams?
The MLB Tokyo Series continues with one more game between the Dodgers and Cubs.
For Chicago, they’ll send Justin Steele to the mound, looking to even the series before heading back to the U.S. The Cubs need a better offensive showing to avoid starting 0-2.
For Los Angeles, another Japanese star is set to take the stage. Roki Sasaki will make his MLB debut, giving Dodgers fans another glimpse of their incredibly deep pitching rotation.
With Sasaki’s debut on deck, could the Dodgers’ international talent give them an even bigger edge this season?
Is This the Beginning of a Special Year for the Dodgers?
This game had everything Dodgers fans could ask for—strong pitching, timely hitting, and a win in front of their global fanbase.
But is this just the start of something bigger?
The Dodgers have one of the most stacked rosters in baseball history, led by Ohtani, Freeman, Betts, and a dominant pitching staff. If they stay healthy and keep producing, they could cruise to another NL West title and deep playoff run.
Still, baseball is unpredictable. The season is long, and injuries and slumps happen. No team is unbeatable, and the Cubs are far from the last challenge they’ll face.
So, what’s the final verdict?
- Yamamoto passed his first test—but can he handle MLB’s toughest lineups?
- Ohtani looked great—but will he stay healthy all season?
- The Cubs struggled offensively—can they bounce back in game two?
- The Dodgers are still dominant—but will they stay on top all year?
As the start of baseball season unfolds, one thing is clear: this year is shaping up to be one of the most exciting in recent memory.
