Ready for it or not, like it or not, the first Major League game of 2025 is in the books. There are many that believe that the Dodgers’ 4-1 win over the Cubs in Japan isn’t Opening Day. Be that as it may, the game was played and it was the first one of the season. Draw your own conclusions. In this Japan Opening Day Review, we take a look back at the game and the significant moments that occurred during it.
As with all my articles, I appreciate feedback. Was this Opening Day? Is it next week? Weigh in with your thoughts on that subject. Meanwhile, I am curious to see the reaction to baseball beginning their season in another country. Last year, it was Korea. This season, Japan.
Certainly, it makes sense for baseball to want to market itself to a wider audience, especially when there are so many players from other countries playing the game. At this point, however, I am just looking for opinions on the subject. Please, feel free to chime in. Now, let’s get to the game itself.
The First Inning
The first pitch of the series was thrown, appropriately enough, by the Cubs’ Shota Imanaga to the Dodgers’ Shohei Ohtani, two Japanese born players. The game began shortly after 8 AM eastern time in the United States. Some were getting ready for work, some eating breakfast (as I was), while many were still sleeping. Ohtani grounded out and Imanaga pitched a one-two-three inning.
In the bottom of the first, fellow Japanese star Yoshinobu Yamamoto threw the first pitch for Los Angeles. Chicago’s Ian Happ opened the game for Chicago with a walk, but Yamamoto retired the next three hitters to escape any damage.
The Game’s First Hit, Run Scored and RBI
The first base hit of the 2025 Major League Season was delivered by shortstop Dansby Swanson in the bottom of the second inning for Chicago. Swanson scored the game’s first run, driven in with a double by catcher Miguel Amaya.
The Dodgers First Hit
Really, did it surprise anyone? The first hit of the 2025 season for the Dodgers was provided by Ohtani. With one on and one out, Ohtani singled to right center. It was the start of a big uprising, as L.A. scored three runs on three hits in the inning to take the lead that the Dodgers would not give back.
Final Score and Game Highlights
The Dodgers went on to win the game 4-1. Yamamoto qualified for the victory, pitching five innings. He allowed one run on three hits with four strikeouts and just one walk.
Obviously, that result was a long way from Yamamoto’s first start in 2024. If you remember, he looked like a deer caught in the headlights, as the Padres pounded him for five runs in his only inning. Of course, Yamamoto recovered from that experience and had a great year for Los Angeles. Additionally, he was a huge factor in the Dodgers winning the World Series championship.
Los Angeles won the game despite not having former MVPs Mookie Betts (illness) and Freddie Freeman (ribs) in the lineup. Certainly, this Japan Opening Day Review edition can say in full confidence that the Dodgers’ depth was on full display. That is something that the rest of baseball will have to deal with during the entire 2025 season.
As for the Cubs, they clearly have work to do. Granted, it was only one game. However, there are issues Chicago must deal with as they try to win their first central division title since 2017. Imanaga allowed no hits in his four innings, but walked four. The pitchers couldn’t find the strike zone very often, as they walked eight batters.
As for the offense, it was in hibernation. Happ led off the third inning with a single. Unfortunately, that would be the last hit for Chicago. Yamamoto retired the last six hitters he faced. Four relievers pitched an inning each and allowed no base runners at all. No hits, no walks, nothing. To make matters worse, the Cubs also committed two errors. At the very least, Chicago has identified the problems and can work on correcting them.
Final Thought
As stated at the top, baseball is underway. As for me, I have been a lover of baseball since I was a kid. The game counted and as such, it was real baseball. I was excited to see live, actual baseball for the first time since the World Series ended. I was pleased with the entire experience.
The Last Word
Thank you for joining me for this Japan Opening Day Review edition! Follow me on X (formerly Twitter) @kevin62wilsea. Please feel free to share this article. Be sure to turn to bellyupsports.com for all the MLB, NBA, NFL, NHL happenings and the latest sports news!
Lastly, check out the Belly Up Fantasy Baseball Show on Youtube as we had a 10 team points league draft live on the air. That episode can be found here.
