Cubs vs Dodgers Season Opener in Japan: Odds, Pitchers & Predictions for March 18 MLB Game
The Los Angeles Dodgers (-162) face the Chicago Cubs (+135) in Game 1 of the 2025 MLB Japan Series opener at the Tokyo Dome. First pitch is scheduled for 6:10 am ET on Fox.
Ohtani in Dodgers uniform smiling
Starting Pitchers:
- Cubs: Shota Imanaga (15-3, 2.91 ERA in '24)
- Dodgers: Yoshinobu Yamamoto (7-2, 3.00 ERA in '24)
Key Stats:
- Total set at 8.0 runs
- Dodgers -1.5 run line (+110)
- Both pitchers struggling in spring training:
- Imanaga: 7 runs, 9 hits in 11 innings
- Yamamoto: 6 runs, 15 hits in 13 innings
Baseball player in batting stance
Analysis:
- Dodgers led MLB last season in OPS
- Cubs added power hitter Kyle Tucker to already strong lineup
- Tokyo Dome's larger dimensions favor extra-base hits
- Both pitchers showing vulnerability in spring training
- Yamamoto rarely pitches beyond 5 innings
Prediction: Over 7.5 runs (-118)
Reasoning:
- Both offenses feature strong power hitters
- Pitchers struggling with form
- Stadium dimensions favor extra-base hits
- Limited pitch counts expected for starters
- Recent head-to-head matchups trending towards high scoring