Dodgers Sweep Cubs in Tokyo Series Thanks to Kiké Hernandez's Stellar Performance

The Los Angeles Dodgers wrapped up their Tokyo Series with a decisive 6-3 victory over the Chicago Cubs on Wednesday, completing a two-game sweep at the Tokyo Dome. Despite missing key players Freddie Freeman (ribs) and Mookie Betts (illness), the Dodgers made it clear they were in championship form from the start.

Early in the game, Dodgers catcher Will Smith capitalized on a passed ball to bring in the first run, followed by Kiké Hernandez's sacrifice fly, setting the tone at 2-0. Max Muncy's double in the second inning set up the scoring opportunity, showing that even without their usual stars, the Dodgers' lineup was ready to shine.

Then the fireworks began. Tommy Edman smashed a high fastball into the left-field bleachers for the first home run of the 2025 MLB season in the third inning, pulling the fans out of their seats. It was a perfect way to kick off the new season—and in Tokyo, no less.

The Dodgers also introduced 23-year-old pitcher Roki Sasaki, who made his MLB debut. While Sasaki's performance was a mixed bag—he gave up just one hit but walked five batters in three innings—he showed promise by limiting the Cubs to a single run during his outing. That run came when Cubs right fielder Kyle Tucker walked with the bases loaded in the third inning.

Kiké Hernandez continued his big day in the fourth inning, crushing a two-run homer to extend the Dodgers' lead to 5-1. Hernandez's three RBIs were instrumental in the win, proving he has a knack for stepping up when it counts.

The Cubs tried to claw their way back with an RBI single from Ian Happ in the fourth inning and a Dansby Swanson double in the fifth, but the Dodgers' offense—and some key defensive plays—kept them at arm's length. Shohei Ohtani added to the Dodgers' lead with a home run in the fifth, which survived a review for fan interference. The call stood, and the Dodgers pushed their lead to 6-2.

Alex Vesia closed out the ninth inning for the Dodgers, securing the win despite a late threat from the Cubs, who managed to bring the tying run to the plate. Pitcher Landon Knack earned the win with two scoreless innings of relief, during which he struck out three Cubs batters.

With this Tokyo Series sweep, the Dodgers begin their World Series title defense with a 2-0 record, a promising start to their season. They’ll return stateside to wrap up spring training before facing the Detroit Tigers on March 27. Meanwhile, the Cubs, now 0-2, will aim to regroup as they prepare to face the Arizona Diamondbacks on the same date.