On March 15, 2025, the Los Angeles Dodgers faced the Yomiuri Giants in a preseason game at Tokyo Dome, marking a significant event in the MLB Tokyo Series. The Dodgers secured a decisive 5-1 victory, showcasing their offensive strength early in the game.
Game Highlights:
• Third Inning Surge: The Dodgers erupted in the third inning, scoring all five of their runs. The inning featured three home runs:
• Michael Conforto led off with a solo home run.
• Shohei Ohtani, batting as the designated hitter, launched a two-run homer to right field.
• Teoscar Hernández added a solo shot, extending the lead.
• Pitching Performance: Starting pitcher Justin Robleski delivered a strong performance, setting the tone for the Dodgers’ bullpen, which maintained the lead throughout the game.
Notable Player Performances:
• Shohei Ohtani: In his return to Japan, Ohtani made an immediate impact. In his second at-bat, he connected on a breaking ball from Giants’ starter Shosei Togo, sending it into the right-field stands for a two-run homer. Ohtani’s final line was 2 at-bats, 1 hit, 1 home run, 2 RBIs, and 1 walk.
• Shosei Togo: The Giants’ ace struggled in the pivotal third inning, conceding three home runs and five runs in total. Togo’s difficulties in this inning overshadowed his otherwise solid performance.
Team Lineups:
Los Angeles Dodgers:
1. DH: Shohei Ohtani
2. 2B: Tommy Edman
3. 1B: Freddie Freeman
4. RF: Teoscar Hernández
5. 3B: Max Muncy
6. C: Will Smith
7. LF: Michael Conforto
8. SS: Miguel Rojas
9. CF: Andy Pages
• SP: Justin Robleski
Yomiuri Giants:
1. CF: Yoshihiro Maru
2. LF: Hernández
3. 2B: Naoki Yoshikawa
4. 1B: Kazuma Okamoto
5. RF: Cabbage
6. DH: Takumi Ohshiro
7. 3B: Reito Nakayama
8. C: Takuya Kai
9. SS: Makoto Kadowaki
• SP: Shosei Togo
Game Summary:
The Dodgers’ offensive explosion in the third inning proved decisive. Conforto’s leadoff homer set the stage, followed by Ohtani’s two-run blast and Hernández’s solo shot, building a commanding 5-0 lead. The Giants managed to score a run in the sixth inning but couldn’t overcome the early deficit. The Dodgers’ pitching staff effectively contained the Giants’ lineup, securing the win.
Additional Notes:
• Ohtani’s Return: This game marked Ohtani’s first appearance in Japan since the 2023 World Baseball Classic. His home run in the third inning was a highlight, demonstrating his continued prowess at the plate.
• Fan Engagement: The Tokyo Dome was filled with enthusiastic fans, eager to witness the matchup between the MLB’s Dodgers and NPB’s Giants. The crowd’s energy contributed to a vibrant atmosphere throughout the game.
