TOKYO — Major League Debut Stuns Fans
Murmurs swept through the crowded Tokyo Dome when the radar speed appeared on the scoreboard.
Roki Sasaki, a standout player for the Los Angeles Dodgers, clocked in at 101 mph on his first pitch against Seiya Suzuki of the Chicago Cubs, marking a highlight in their clash of Japanese titans. The 42,367 attendees, primarily Dodgers fans, were left in awe as Sasaki consistently reached triple digits during his major league debut—hitting that high speed five times throughout his three-inning performance.
Cubs Struggle in the Tokyo Series
The Cubs fans had little to celebrate following a 6-3 defeat, culminating in a sweep during the Tokyo Series. The Dodgers took an early lead, scoring twice in the second inning and maintaining control for the rest of the match. Each time the Cubs scored, managing to get a run in the third through fifth innings, the Dodgers answered back effectively.
Player Insights
Cubs second baseman Jon Berti, who had a strong game with a 3-for-4 performance, remarked on Sasaki, “He was a bit hyped up at home, throwing pretty hard. We just needed to stay patient, but unfortunately, we couldn’t come through with the key hits when it mattered.”
Ohtani’s Impact
The loudest cheer of the series came when Shohei Ohtani hit a solo homer in the fifth inning, with fans holding their breath during a replay review that suggested possible fan interference before the ruling stood.
Struggles on the Mound
Cubs left-hander Justin Steele gave up five hits and five runs over four innings. He faced setbacks with home runs from Tommy Edman (a solo shot in the third) and Enrique Hernández (a two-run homer in the fourth) proving particularly damaging. Steele reflected, “I felt good overall, but made a couple of mistakes, and those home runs hurt. Pitching in Tokyo was a unique and unforgettable experience.”
Unfulfilled Opportunities
The Cubs missed an opportunity to capitalize in the third inning when Sasaki lost his rhythm, walking three straight after Berti’s single. They managed to cut the Dodgers’ lead to 3-1, but Sasaki rebounded by striking out the next two batters. The team struggled at the plate, going 1-for-7 with runners in scoring position and leaving 11 players stranded on base.
Looking Ahead
After the game, the Cubs headed to Arizona to complete their spring training with five exhibition games before their regular season opener on March 27 against the Arizona Diamondbacks. The schedule poses its challenges, but the Cubs are determined to make a playoff return after five years. Manager Craig Counsell emphasized the value of experiences like these, likening the stadium atmosphere to playoff intensity, and looks forward to their future progress.
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