By DAVID BRANDT
TOKYO — Shohei Ohtani hit a solo homer in his return to the Tokyo Dome, Roki Sasaki threw three eventful innings in his big-league debut and the Los Angeles Dodgers beat the Chicago Cubs 6-3 on Wednesday night time to comb the two-game sequence in Japan.
Kiké Hernández hit a two-run homer and Tommy Edman added a solo shot. Ohtani’s homer within the fifth barely cleared the right-center fence and the decision was reviewed by umpires earlier than being confirmed, giving the Dodgers a 6-2 lead.
Sasaki gave up one run and one hit whereas hanging out three, but in addition walked 5 batters, together with a free go that compelled in a run. Landon Knack (1-0) bought the win, pitching two scoreless innings of reduction.
Alex Vesia dealt with the ninth to earn the save after understanding of a two-out jam. Shortstop Miguel Rojas made a stellar defensive play for the ultimate out, ranging far to his proper to seize a grounder from Matt Shaw earlier than making a robust throw to first.
Cubs left-hander Justin Steele (0-1) was tagged for 5 runs over 4 innings, giving up the homers to Hernández and Edman. Jon Berti had three of Chicago’s eight hits.
The Dodgers had been with out Freddie Freeman (ribs) and Mookie Betts (sickness) for a second straight recreation. Roberts is hopeful that Freeman and Betts will each be prepared for the home season opener on March 27.
KEY MOMENT
Ohtani’s homer was the second all of Japan was ready to see. The 30-year-old as soon as once more delivered in an enormous spot and had three hits within the two video games in Tokyo.
KEY STAT
The primary six pitches of Sasaki’s MLB profession registered 99.5, 99.5, 100, 100.5, 99.4 and 98.9 mph on the radar gun.
UP NEXT
Each groups return house, although the Dodgers will go on to Los Angeles whereas the Cubs return to their spring coaching house in Mesa, Arizona. The Dodgers open the home common season schedule at house towards the Detroit Tigers on March 27 whereas the Cubs are on the street on the Arizona Diamondbacks on the identical day.
