Cubs vs Dodgers Japan Series Opener: How to Watch, Betting Odds & Starting Pitchers
The Los Angeles Dodgers (-162) face the Chicago Cubs (+135) in Game 1 of the 2025 MLB Japan Series at the Tokyo Dome. First pitch is scheduled for 6:10 am ET on Fox.
Ohtani in Dodgers uniform smiling
Starting Pitchers:
- Dodgers: Yoshinobu Yamamoto (7-2, 3.00 ERA in '24)
- Cubs: Shota Imanaga (15-3, 2.91 ERA in '24)
Key Matchup Analysis:
- Yamamoto dominated the Cubs in 2024: 1 run, 6 hits over 9 innings
- Imanaga went 1-0 vs Dodgers in 2024: 3 runs, 9 hits over 11 innings
- Both pitchers showing spring training struggles (Yamamoto: 6 runs in 13 innings, Imanaga: 7 runs in 11 innings)
Offensive Outlook:
- Dodgers led MLB in OPS last season and added Shohei Ohtani
- Cubs strengthened lineup with Kyle Tucker (100+ HR, 75+ SB last 4 seasons)
- Tokyo Dome's larger dimensions favor extra-base hits
Baseball player in batting stance
Prediction: Over 7.5 runs (-118)
- Both pitchers struggling in spring training
- Strong offensive lineups on both sides
- Yamamoto rarely pitches deep into games
- Imanaga's fly-ball tendency vulnerable against Dodgers' power
- Stadium dimensions favor offensive production
The combination of potent offenses, pitcher vulnerabilities, and stadium factors points to a high-scoring opener in Tokyo.
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