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A Los Angeles Dodgers’ fan holds a banner says “Welcome to Japan! I love LA”as she waits for the team arrival at Tokyo International Airport Thursday, March 13, 2025, in Tokyo. (AP Photo/Hiro Komae)

(ASSOCIATED PRESS)

(ASSOCIATED PRESS)

The defending champion Los Angeles Dodgers opened the 2025 season by sweeping the Chicago Cubs in a two-game series in Japan. Highlights included the return of two-way star Shohei Ohtani to his native country.

He homered in Wednesday’s game. Other Japanese players had a chance to shine as well. Yoshinobu Yamamoto won the opener on the mound, with Shota Imanaga throwing four scoreless innings for Chicago. That was the first all-Japanese starting pitching duel on opening day in major league history. Then prized rookie Roki Sasaki made his debut for the Dodgers in the second game.

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AP MLB: https://apnews.com/MLB