As Roki Sasaki makes his debut and Shohei Ohtani hits a home run, the Dodgers sweep the Cubs in the Tokyo Series.

The world of baseball often produces unforgettable moments, and the Tokyo Series of 2025 was certainly no exception. From the debut of one of Japan’s most promising pitchers, Roki Sasaki, to a thrilling home run by the electrifying Shohei Ohtani, and the Los Angeles Dodgers completing a commanding sweep over the Chicago Cubs, the series proved to be a celebration of the game’s best talents while also highlighting the international appeal of the sport.

The Tokyo Series is a highly anticipated event in the baseball world, and the 2025 edition drew attention from fans across the globe. Held in the heart of Japan’s capital, the series brought together two of Major League Baseball’s most storied franchises—the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Chicago Cubs. However, this time, it wasn’t just about the history of the two teams; the international spectacle was enhanced by the presence of the next-generation stars who were making their mark on the game, including Roki Sasaki and Shohei Ohtani.

Roki Sasaki’s Debut: The Pitching Phenomenon

At the heart of the excitement was Roki Sasaki, Japan’s most highly touted pitching prospect, who made his MLB debut in front of a home crowd. Sasaki, whose meteoric rise in Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) had already earned him comparisons to legends, was finally making his transition to the Major Leagues, and it was clear that the expectations were sky-high. His debut in the Tokyo Dome, in front of a raucous crowd of both Japanese fans and MLB enthusiasts, was the beginning of what promised to be an incredible journey.

Sasaki’s pitching prowess was already well known in Japan. At just 21 years old, he had become a sensation in the NPB, throwing a perfect game in 2021—an event that seemed to cement his status as one of the most dominant pitchers of his generation. His fastball, clocked at over 102 mph, paired with a devastating splitter, made him virtually untouchable. There were whispers in the baseball world that Sasaki could be the future ace of a major league rotation, and his performance in the Tokyo Series only reinforced this belief.

In his debut game, Sasaki faced a formidable lineup in the Chicago Cubs. However, the young pitcher seemed unfazed by the pressure. His first pitch to Cubs leadoff hitter Nico Hoerner was a fastball that sailed through the strike zone at a blistering 101 mph. The crowd erupted in applause, sensing that they were witnessing something special. Sasaki went on to dominate through his first few innings, exhibiting incredible control and composure.

In his five innings of work, Sasaki struck out 10 batters while allowing only two hits and no runs. His stuff was electric, and the Cubs’ hitters seemed baffled by his mix of velocity and devastating secondary pitches. He managed to handle the Cubs’ veteran bats with ease, and his split-finger fastball—his signature pitch—was on full display. After the game, Dodgers’ manager Dave Roberts expressed his admiration for Sasaki’s poise, saying, “You could see the stuff, the command, the confidence. He’s got everything it takes to be a top-tier pitcher.”

What made Sasaki’s debut even more magical was the fact that he had made history by becoming the first Japanese pitcher to debut in an MLB game in Japan. His performance solidified the notion that Japan was not just a breeding ground for great talent but was also central to the growth and global appeal of the sport.

Shohei Ohtani’s Moment: A Home Run for the Ages

While Sasaki’s debut was a momentous occasion, the Tokyo Series was also a stage for Shohei Ohtani to shine. The two-way phenom, who had already established himself as one of the most dynamic and unique players in the history of the sport, treated the Japanese fans to another unforgettable moment—one that would leave a lasting impression.

Ohtani’s journey from Japan to the MLB had been nothing short of incredible. His ability to both pitch and hit at an elite level had set him apart from anyone else in the modern era of baseball. As he stepped up to the plate in the series, fans were eagerly anticipating what Ohtani would do next.

In Game 2 of the Tokyo Series, the Dodgers’ Ohtani was facing off against the Cubs’ starting pitcher, Marcus Stroman, a seasoned and crafty right-hander. With the Dodgers already leading, Ohtani took his first swing of the game in the top of the third inning. Stroman, known for his ability to generate ground balls and induce weak contact, tried to stay away from Ohtani’s power zone. However, on a 2-1 pitch, Ohtani sat on a fastball down the middle and unleashed a swing that left the stadium in stunned silence.

The crack of the bat echoed across the Tokyo Dome, and immediately, Ohtani’s ball soared into the night sky. The ball kept carrying, higher and further, until it finally cleared the center-field fence, landing in the stands with ease. A three-run home run by Ohtani in front of his home crowd was the kind of magical moment that left fans on their feet and unable to believe what they had just witnessed.

The crowd erupted, and even Ohtani, typically known for his calm demeanor, showed a moment of exuberance as he circled the bases. The home run not only demonstrated his incredible power but also his ability to perform in big moments. As the Dodgers’ dugout stood in appreciation, fans chanted Ohtani’s name, honoring the player who had become an international sensation.

After the game, Ohtani humbly deflected the praise, focusing instead on his team’s collective success. “It feels great to hit a home run, especially here in Japan where I grew up, but this is about the team and the win,” he said. “I just want to contribute to our success, and I’m thankful for the fans who have supported me through all these years.”

The home run was not just another statistic in Ohtani’s illustrious career; it was a testament to his ability to shine in front of his home fans and cement his status as one of the game’s best. As Ohtani rounded the bases, it was clear that this was another iconic moment in his already legendary journey.

The Dodgers’ Sweep: A Dominant Performance

While the individual performances of Sasaki and Ohtani captivated fans, the Los Angeles Dodgers’ team success was equally impressive. The Dodgers, led by a mixture of seasoned veterans and emerging stars, put together a dominant performance over the Chicago Cubs, completing a three-game sweep in the Tokyo Series.

In Game 1, the Dodgers’ pitching staff held the Cubs’ offense to just one run, with Julio Urías and Clayton Kershaw leading the charge. Urías, who had been a stalwart for the Dodgers in recent years, delivered a near-flawless outing, going six innings and allowing only two hits. Kershaw, still one of the game’s most respected pitchers, came in for a two-inning save, providing stability and ensuring the victory. On offense, Mookie Betts continued his stellar play, hitting a two-run double in the fourth inning to give the Dodgers the lead.

Game 2 was a more dramatic affair, with Ohtani’s home run and timely hits from Freddie Freeman and Max Muncy sealing the win. Ohtani’s heroics helped the Dodgers build a commanding lead, and they never looked back, with the Cubs unable to respond to the onslaught. Chris Taylor added a crucial RBI double in the late innings to put the game out of reach.

In the final game of the series, the Dodgers’ offense was simply too much for the Cubs. A barrage of hits from the likes of Will Smith, J.D. Martinez, and David Peralta kept the Cubs on their heels, while Walker Buehler, returning from injury, delivered a solid performance on the mound. With a commanding 9-3 victory, the Dodgers wrapped up the sweep in front of a thrilled crowd in Tokyo, leaving no doubt about their dominance in the series.

 A Historic Tokyo Series

The 2025 Tokyo Series was not just about the Los Angeles Dodgers’ sweep over the Chicago Cubs, though their performance was impressive. It was about the rising stars of baseball and the special moments they created, particularly with Roki Sasaki making his MLB debut in front of an adoring home crowd, and Shohei Ohtani delivering a heart-stopping home run that encapsulated the magic of the series.

As the final pitch was thrown and the fans in Tokyo filed out of the stadium, there was a sense of excitement in the air. The future of baseball was being written before their very eyes. The Tokyo Series had been a success, but more importantly, it was a celebration of the global nature of the sport and the shared appreciation of its most iconic players.

Roki Sasaki’s debut had shown the world that Japan’s rich baseball tradition was alive and well, while Shohei Ohtani had reminded everyone why he was one of the most captivating figures in the sport today. The Dodgers’ dominance, capped off by their sweep, was a fitting conclusion to a series that had everything—history, spectacle, and unforgettable moments. The 2025 Tokyo Series will surely go down in history as one of the most memorable and impactful international matchups in the history of Major League Baseball.