Cubs vs Dodgers: Where to Watch and Betting Guide for Historic Japan Season Opener
The Los Angeles Dodgers (-162) face the Chicago Cubs (+135) in Game 1 of the Japan Series at the Tokyo Dome. First pitch is scheduled for 6:10 am ET on Fox.
Ohtani in Dodgers uniform smiling
Starting Pitchers:
- Dodgers: Yoshinobu Yamamoto (7-2, 3.00 ERA in '24)
- Cubs: Shota Imanaga (15-3, 2.91 ERA in '24)
Key Stats:
- Total set at 8.0 runs
- Dodgers -1.5 run line (+110)
- Both pitchers struggling in spring training:
- Yamamoto: 6 runs, 15 hits in 13 innings
- Imanaga: 7 runs, 9 hits, 3 HRs in 11 innings
Notable Lineup Changes:
- Cubs added Kyle Tucker (100+ HRs, 75+ SBs last 4 seasons)
- Dodgers missing Mookie Betts (illness)
- Shohei Ohtani leads powerful LA lineup
Baseball player in batting stance
Prediction: Over 7.5 runs (-118)
Reasoning:
- Both pitchers showing spring training struggles
- Yamamoto rarely exceeds 5 innings (8 of 22 starts in 2024)
- Imanaga's fly-ball tendency vulnerable against Dodgers' power
- Tokyo Dome's larger dimensions favor extra-base hits
- Dodgers led MLB in OPS last season
- Cubs' improved lineup with Tucker addition
Both teams feature strong offenses and pitchers who haven't found their rhythm, making the over a strong value play for this season opener in Japan.