Cubs Fail to Rally, Lose to Dodgers 6-3 to Close Out Tokyo Series

Introduction to the Game

TOKYO (AP) — Shohei Ohtani hit a solo homer in his return to the Tokyo Dome, Roki Sasaki threw three eventful innings in his big-league debut and the Los Angeles Dodgers beat the Chicago Cubs 6-3 on Wednesday night to sweep the two-game series in Japan.

Kiké Hernández hit a two-run homer and Tommy Edman added a solo shot. Ohtani’s homer in the fifth barely cleared the right-center fence and the call was reviewed by umpires before being confirmed, giving the Dodgers a 6-2 lead.

Game Highlights and Performance

Sasaki gave up one run and one hit while striking out three, but also walked five batters, including a free pass that forced in a run. Landon Knack (1-0) got the win, pitching two scoreless innings of relief.
Alex Vesia handled the ninth to earn the save after working out of a two-out jam. Shortstop Miguel Rojas made a stellar defensive play for the final out, ranging far to his right to grab a grounder from Matt Shaw before making a strong throw to first.
Cubs left-hander Justin Steele (0-1) was tagged for five runs over four innings, giving up the homers to Hernández and Edman. Jon Berti had three of Chicago’s eight hits.

Team Status and Expectations

The Dodgers were without Freddie Freeman (ribs) and Mookie Betts (illness) for a second straight game. Roberts is hopeful that Freeman and Betts will both be ready for the domestic season opener on March 27.

Key Moment

Ohtani’s homer was the moment all of Japan was waiting to see. The 30-year-old once again delivered in a big spot and had three hits in the two games in Tokyo.

Key Stat

The first six pitches of Sasaki’s MLB career registered 99.5, 99.5, 100, 100.5, 99.4 and 98.9 mph on the radar gun.

Up Next

Both teams return home, though the Dodgers will go directly to Los Angeles while the Cubs return to their spring training home in Mesa, Arizona. The Dodgers open the domestic regular season schedule at home against the Detroit Tigers on March 27 while the Cubs are on the road at the Arizona Diamondbacks on the same day.

Conclusion

The Los Angeles Dodgers successfully swept the two-game series in Tokyo, Japan, against the Chicago Cubs, with a final score of 6-3 in the last game. The series showcased exciting performances, including Shohei Ohtani’s solo homer and Roki Sasaki’s debut. As both teams head back to their respective homes, they look forward to their domestic season openers.

FAQs

• Q: Who won the two-game series in Tokyo?
  • A: The Los Angeles Dodgers won the series against the Chicago Cubs.
• Q: Who hit a solo homer in his return to the Tokyo Dome?
  • A: Shohei Ohtani hit a solo homer.
• Q: When do the Dodgers and Cubs play their domestic season openers?
  • A: Both teams play their domestic season openers on March 27, with the Dodgers hosting the Detroit Tigers and the Cubs playing at the Arizona Diamondbacks.