3/05/2025

First of so many?


In 2 weeks, the first game of the 2025 season will start in Tokyo. The Chicago Cubs will face the Dodgers, which won the 2024 World Series title. Very soon, we will watch the first game of the regular season and the first series of 2025 will start.

 

Before the first game of the season takes place, let’s quickly look back at the first game of the 2024 season and see what we could expect in the first game of the 2025 season.

 

Firstly, Yu Darvish struck out Freddie Freeman in the top of the first inning and it was the first strikeout of the 2024 season. Max Muncy collected a single in the top of the 2nd inning. It was the first hit of the 2024 season. Moreover, in the top of the 3rd inning, Shohei Ohtani collected a single and it was his first hit in the Dodgers uniform. After getting on first base, Ohtani stole second base. It was the first steal of the season and was the beginning of Ohtani’s 50-50 season.

 

In addition, Xander Bogaerts collected an RBI in the bottom of the 3rd inning. It was a single to center field. In the top of the 4th inning, Jason Heyward hit a sacrifice fly and the Dodgers scored the first run of the season. Furthermore, in the top of the 8th inning, Mookie Betts and Shohei Ohtani each collected an RBI. They each collected their first RBI of the 2024 season.

 

Thirdly, Evan Phillips picked up a save in the bottom of the 9th inning. It was the first save of the season. And the Dodgers got the first win of the regular season.

 

So, looking back at the first game of the 2024 season, Freddie Freeman was struck at his first plate appearance. Well, his last plate appearance in 2024 was in the top of the 8th inning in game 5 of the World Series and he was struck out. However, he did have an unforgettable season with being named the World Series MVP. Moreover, the Dodgers actually scored the first run of the 2024 season by a sacrifice fly. In the final game of the 2024 season, Mookie Betts hit a sacrifice fly to help the Dodgers take the lead in game 5 of the World Series. Therefore, as we can see, the Dodgers came behind to win the first game of the 2024 season. They fell behind in game 5 of the 2024 World Series and they were able to secure the win.

 

Within 2 weeks, the first pitch of the 2025 season will be thrown at Tokyo Dome. Yoshinobu Yamamoto and Shota Imanaga will be the opening day starters. It will be the first matchup between Japanese-born starting pitchers in an opening day game. Moreover, it’s highly possible to see the big 3 in the Dodgers lineup. Freddie Freeman went hitless in the first game of the 2024 season. However, can the Cubs stop him at Tokyo Dome? Additionally, Mookie Betts and Shohei Ohtani each had 2 hits and 1 RBI in the first game of the 2024 season. Will they do the same in 2025? Also, Shohei Ohtani ran a lot in 2024 and his first stolen base was in the first game. Will he still run a lot in 2025? Lastly, Evan Phillips collected the first save of the 2024 season. In the offseason, the Dodgers acquired several tops in the bullpen. Which player will be the closer for the Dodgers?

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