The Los Angeles Dodgers returned to Japan, where they will play their season opener next week — but that hasn’t stopped the buzz and excitement from starting early.
The defending MLB champions played the Yomiuri Giants early Saturday morning in Tokyo in an exhibition game. The game had the atmosphere of a playoff game, with fans filling up the Tokyo Dome. The game’s attendance was 42,064, according to Dodger Blue.
The Chicago Cubs also played the Hanshin Tigers and had an announced attendance of 41,978.
The trip is an opportunity for the Dodgers and MLB to showcase some of its international talents such as Shohei Ohtani, Yoshinobu Yamamoto and Roki Sasaki. Here are some of the sights and sounds from the Dodgers’ latest exhibition game.
Shohei Ohtani hits home run in Tokyo
The Dodgers had already taken a 2-0 lead against the Giants when Ohtani sent the ball into right field with a two-run home run in the top of the third inning.
Michael Conforto contributes early in Dodgers’ win
Before Ohtani’s home run, Michael Conforto got things started for the Dodgers with a home run on the first pitch of the third inning. Conforto is currently in his first season with Los Angeles after spending the first seven seasons of his career with the New York Mets. He spent the past two seasons with the San Francisco Giants.
Teoscar Hernandez piles it on with a home run
Teoscar Hernandez added to the scoring attack in the third inning with a blast to left field. Hernandez’s blast gave the Dodgers a 5-0 lead.
Final: Dodgers 5, Yomiuri Giants 1
The Dodgers finished the game with all three of their home runs coming in the third inning and key contributions from its pitching staff.
The pitchers produced 11 strikeouts against the Giants.
Dodgers’ popularity is unmatched in Tokyo
The Dodger players were treated like rockstars in Tokyo as they attracted crowds during games and workouts. MLB announced 10,507 paying fans were in attendance for the Dodgers’ workout at the Tokyo Dome, according to multiple reports.
When is Dodgers’ 2025 MLB season opener?
The Dodgers and the Cubs will open the MLB season in Tokyo with games on March 18 and 19. Both games are scheduled for 6:10 a.m. ET.