Dodgers vs. Cubs Live Updates: Shohei Ohtani, Yoshinobu Yamamoto Shine in Opening Win
The 2025 MLB season kicked off with an exciting match-up between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Chicago Cubs, with the Dodgers taking the victory in a thrilling opening day showdown. The storylines surrounding the game were compelling—Shohei Ohtani, one of the most exciting players in the world, made his debut with the Dodgers, while Japanese sensation Yoshinobu Yamamoto took the mound for the Cubs. Both players shined in their respective roles, making for an electric opening game.
Here’s a breakdown of the game as it happened live:
First Inning: Ohtani’s Impressive Start with the Dodgers
The crowd at Dodger Stadium was electric as Shohei Ohtani stepped onto the field for his first at-bat with the Dodgers. The 29-year-old, who signed a landmark deal in the offseason, was greeted by a standing ovation from fans eager to see him showcase his unparalleled two-way talent. Ohtani, who has dominated as both a pitcher and hitter, wasted no time showing why he’s one of the most sought-after players in baseball.
- Ohtani’s First At-Bat: In the first inning, Ohtani came up to the plate facing Cubs pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto. The at-bat ended with Ohtani drawing a walk, showing a patient approach. His power and discipline at the plate immediately caught the attention of fans and analysts alike, signaling that the Dodgers would have a potent bat in their lineup.
- Ohtani’s First Defensive Play: In the field, Ohtani played in the outfield, a position that allows the Dodgers to balance his two-way skills while protecting his arm for pitching later in the season. A smooth defensive play in the second inning showed his agility and ability to track balls with precision.
Yoshinobu Yamamoto’s Debut with the Cubs
On the mound for the Cubs, Yoshinobu Yamamoto made his MLB debut after a successful career in Japan’s Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB). Cubs fans were eager to see what this rising star would bring to the big stage. Yamamoto came out firing, showcasing a devastating splitter that had Dodgers hitters off balance early on.
- Yamamoto’s Strikeouts: Yamamoto’s pitch mix was on full display as he struck out the first two batters he faced in the first inning, setting the tone for a fast-paced, competitive game. His fastball was clocked in the high 90s, and his control over his breaking pitches was nearly flawless, forcing hitters to chase out of the zone.
- A Key Moment in the First: While Yamamoto was sharp early on, he ran into trouble when he allowed a one-out double to Freddie Freeman in the top of the second. That set up an RBI opportunity, but Yamamoto kept his composure, getting the next two batters to end the inning without allowing a run.
Ohtani and Yamamoto Face Off: The Battle of Japanese Stars
As the game progressed, all eyes were on the fascinating match-up between Ohtani and Yamamoto. These two Japanese stars, who are used to facing off in NPB, were now battling on American soil for the first time in the MLB. The crowd held its breath as Ohtani approached the plate in the top of the third inning to face Yamamoto again.
- Ohtani vs. Yamamoto Round 2: This time, Yamamoto managed to strike out Ohtani with a well-placed splitter, sending a ripple through the crowd. Ohtani, showing his usual resilience, gave Yamamoto a nod of respect after the at-bat, and Yamamoto smiled back. This moment highlighted the mutual admiration between the two stars, as well as their competitive fire.
- The Cubs’ Defense: Although Yamamoto was in control for much of the early going, the Cubs’ defense was also impressive, with a stellar diving stop from shortstop Dansby Swanson preventing what could have been a key base hit for the Dodgers. The game remained scoreless as both teams worked to capitalize on any mistakes.
Key Moments in the Game: Dodgers Pull Ahead
As the game continued into the later innings, the Dodgers began to find their rhythm against Yamamoto. The turning point came in the sixth inning when Ohtani, who had moved to designated hitter, came up to the plate with runners on second and third.
- Ohtani’s First Hit as a Dodger: Ohtani made his mark with a single to left field, driving in a pair of runs. The crowd erupted as Ohtani’s signature power showed up early in the season, and the Dodgers took a 2-0 lead. It was the first of many moments fans hope to see throughout the year as Ohtani continues to dazzle as part of the Dodgers’ star-studded lineup.
- A Stellar Bullpen Performance: The Dodgers’ bullpen was solid after starter Julio Urías left the game after five strong innings. Evan Phillips came in and shut down the Cubs in the seventh, while Blake Treinen closed out the game in the ninth, sealing the victory for Los Angeles.
Final Score and Takeaways
The Dodgers took the win, 3-1, in a game that lived up to all the hype surrounding it. Shohei Ohtani’s two-way performance, along with strong pitching from Urías and the bullpen, was enough to hold off the Cubs, despite a strong showing from Yoshinobu Yamamoto on the mound for Chicago.
- Ohtani’s Impact: Ohtani finished with a hit, two RBIs, and a walk in his debut with the Dodgers. His ability to make an immediate impact both offensively and defensively showed why the Dodgers were willing to invest heavily in him during the offseason.
- Yamamoto’s Debut: Although the Cubs fell short, Yamamoto showed why he’s considered one of the most talented pitchers to come out of Japan in recent years. His control, pitch selection, and poise on the mound were all exceptional for a debut.
- The Road Ahead: For both teams, the season is just beginning, but the opening game provided plenty of excitement and promise. The Dodgers are poised for another deep playoff run, and Ohtani’s addition only strengthens their already stacked roster. Meanwhile, the Cubs will look to bounce back from this loss, knowing they have a budding star in Yamamoto and a promising future ahead.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Both Teams?
With the win, the Dodgers take an early lead in the season series, but both teams have a lot of baseball left to play. The Cubs will need to find ways to break through against elite pitching as they continue to build around their new core of international stars, while the Dodgers will look to keep the momentum going as they strive for another World Series championship.
As for Shohei Ohtani, his season is just getting started, and after today’s performance, there’s little doubt he’ll be one of the most watched players all season long. From his power at the plate to his dazzling potential on the mound, the MLB world is eagerly awaiting every moment of Ohtani’s journey in Los Angeles.