High off a 2024 championship, the Dodgers 2025 season has kicked off with a flawless start with a record of 8-0. From an international showcase in Japan to an electric homecoming at Dodger Stadium, the team delivered dominant pitching performances, timely hitting, and thrilling finishes. As they get ready for their first away game, let’s look back at Opening Week.
Opening the season internationally, they faced the Chicago Cubs in a 2-game series at the Tokyo Dome. By the looks of it, many fans traveled to Japan while the rest of us stayed stateside. Many Los Angeles locals were wide-awake in the very early morning at watch parties across the city. Guilty, I was in bed trying to stay up, only to fall asleep in the first couple of innings. However, the Boys in Blue surely delivered.
In Game 1, Japanese superstar Yoshinobu Yamamoto made his highly anticipated Dodgers debut and did not disappoint. He allowed just one run on three hits over five strong innings. Shohei Ohtani, playing in his home country, delivered two hits and scored twice, while the bullpen shut the door to secure a 4-1 victory in the season opener.
In Game 2 against the Cubs, the Dodgers took the win with a 6-3 victory, thanks to an offensive surge led by Ohtani, Kiké Hernández, and Tommy Edman, who each homered. Rookie pitcher Roki Sasaki made his MLB debut but struggled with command, issuing five walks over three innings. Despite the early trouble, the Dodgers’ bullpen took control, and the bats powered through with a two-game sweep in Japan.
Wrapping up their overseas trip, the Dodgers returned to LA to kick off Opening Day alongside all the other MLB teams. Facing the Detroit Tigers in a 3-game series, the stadium was buzzing on March 27! Being as this was my first time ever going to Opening Day, it was exciting to be surrounded by all the energy. Walking around for all the freebies, you’re welcomed with enhanced graphics, new food selections, new photo opportunities, new murals, and reminders all throughout that we are your 2024 World Series Champions. It’s a feeling that is unmatched. On top of that, the stars showed up. And our favorite LA native, Ice Cube, presented the trophy in style with a custom blue Chevy Impala.
But more than that, the Dodgers swept the Tigers, securing Opening Weekend with a 5-0 record. Game 3, Blake Snell made his Dodgers debut and pitched a solid five innings. Making sure they put respect on his name, Teoscar Hernández came with the game’s biggest moment with a three-run home run, while Ohtani launched his second homer of the season. The Dodgers held on for a 5-4 win in front of a packed house.
The following night, the Dodgers battled the Tigers into extra innings. Yamamoto was brilliant again, striking out 10 in five innings but allowing two solo homers. But the star of the night, Mookie Betts. Not playing in Japan and traveling back early due to a stomach illness, he came ready for this series! Delivering in dramatic fashion, he blasted a three-run walk-off home run to win the game.
Wrapping up a perfect Opening weekend, the Dodgers completed the sweep. With Sasaki still struggling and lasting only 1.2 innings, the bullpen showcased their dominance. In Sasaki’s defense, he’s on a steep learning curve and may take a minute to adjust; but when he starts rolling, he’ll be a force to reckon. As far as offense, they showed up and Freddie Freeman gave the people what they chant for, a solo home run and an RBI double.
Carrying this momentum into the week, it culminated in another series sweep against the Atlanta Braves (who have yet to win a game this season). From these games, watching Tyler Glasnow on the mound, he is scary and will be instrumental this season. Also, welcome back Dustin May; it’s so good to have you back, you still got it!
Lastly, that series finale against Detroit might be a bit more telling of how this season may play out. Starting the game with lots of miscues and frustration, they found a way to figure it out. Back when we got Tommy Edman last year, I had this feeling about him. And so far, he has not disappointed. This man is consistent and a master of his craft & knows how to put numbers on the board. Max Muncy, overcoming early-season struggles, delivered a crucial two-run double in the eighth inning to tie the game. Circulating the internet, he ditched these new torpedo bats and went back to his tried-and-true, which clearly paid off. And the reason we pay him the big bucks, Shohei Ohtani’s dramatic comeback with a walk-off home run in the ninth inning, sending the crowd in an uproar on his own bobblehead night. Wow – what a finish!
Overall, the Dodgers’ resilience was in full display. And resilience is what will get us to a record-breaking season and ultimately another ring. I hope everyone is buckled up because it’s going to be a fun ride!
