
Japanese fans (42,365. to be exact), packed the Tokyo Dome to see the LA Dodgers defeat the Chicago Cubs, 4-1 on Tuesday. The game served as the season opener for MLB. It was the first time the reigning World Series champion played a regular season game in Japan.
On Wednesday the same teams meet in the second and final game of the so-called Tokyo Series. A large crowd is expected again, this time to see former Japan League hurler Roki Sasaki on the mound for the Dodgers.
There was a time when the Dodgers were also affectionally called "Da Bums." But that nickname doesn't seem to fit now. The Dodgers are a juggernaut. A dynasty.
A monster in cleats. Whatever you want to call them, they are a great bet to win again on Wednesday against the Cubs.
Odds in this article are from FanDuel Sportsbook, one of the leading apps in the United States. MLB is now in action, and next week every team will start the 2025 season, adding more games on a near daily basis for your consideration.
Check in with FanDuel for odds, player props, and even live betting. That means you could place wagers while the game is taking place, even when it's being played on the other side of the world in a different time zone.
The Dodgers are favored in Game 1 of the season. Consult your chosen sports betting app to find MLB odds as it nears first pitch.
Neither starter is expected to go much beyond four innings, unless they keep a short pitch count. That's why we anticipate a higher-scoring game than we saw on Tuesday.
Consider the OVER (7.5 runs) for Game Two of this series. That's a wager on the total runs scored by both teams combined.
Roki Sasaki (Dodgers) vs. Justin Steele (Cubs)
Roki Sasaki has captivated the baseball world with his exceptional talent showcased in Japan's Nippon Professional Baseball. His performances have been spectacular, highlighted by a 2022 perfect game where he struck out 19 batters, demonstrating his dominance.
His ability to throw a fastball exceeding 100 mph, coupled with a devastating splitter, has made him a nearly unhittable pitcher in his native country.
Sasaki's participation in the 2023 World Baseball Classic further solidified his reputation as a world-class talent.
This move has generated considerable excitement, with many eager to witness his skills in the top league in the world.
His presence, alongside other Japanese stars in LA, adds to the growing excitement surrounding the Dodgers' 2025 title defense.
In Tuesday's opener, Suzuki was 0-for-4 with a strikeout.
On Wednesday the Cubs' designated hitter is expected to get his first hit of the season, and with him sitting near the top of the lineup he will have many chances to get two total bases for a 2+ TB player prop from FanDuel Sportsbook.
A bet of $100 would pay $200 if Shohei Ohtani records four total bases or more in Game Two of the season.
Plus you get your stake back. With American Odds, you see a + or - before the number.
All odds are based on a $100 wager, but you can bet less than that. For example a winning $10 bet on +200 odds would pay out $20.
The Dodgers are +135 to win the National League pennant. They are +240 to repeat as World Series champions. That's the same as saying LA is a favorite to again be baseball's most formidable team.
For great reason: the Dodgers have four former MVP winners on the roster (Mookie Betts, Freddie Freeman, Clayton Kershaw, and Shohei Ohtani).
The pitching staff has not one, not two, not three, but four legitimate aces in the rotation. We haven't even mentioned the bullpen, which is loaded.
Check your favorite sports betting app to find the MLB futures odds. You'll see odds for pennant winners, division winners, World Series winners, and even wins for each team.
On Futures Bets, don't wait too long, as you'll get the better odds earlier in the season. Many factors can impact futures odds, including injuries, the schedule, emergence of young players, and more.
If looking for March Madness tournament schedules, matchup breakdowns, and expert picks, head to our March Madness section.
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