The Los Angeles Dodgers signed left-handed fireballer relief pitcher, Tanner Scott, often referred to as the 'Ohtani killer,' to a four-year, $72 million contract ahead of the season. Rather than being defeated by an adversary, they made him an ally. Ohtani went 1-for-9 against Scott. However, a new nemesis for Ohtani has emerged: Japanese pitcher Shota Imamura of the Chicago Cubs.

On 18th, Ohtani made a significant impact in a game against the Chicago Cubs during the Major League Baseball World Tour Tokyo opening series at the Tokyo Dome, going 2-for-4 with two runs scored, leading his team to a comeback victory of 4-1.

Neither Ohtani nor the entire Dodgers lineup could get a hit off Imamura. Ohtani was no exception. He struggled to hit Imamura last year as well, going 0-for-5 with one strikeout. He did not reach base on a walk either.

Once again, Ohtani struggled against Imamura. In his first at-bat in the first inning, his first pitch, a 92.5 mph (148.9 km/h) fastball, was called a strike. After watching a slider on the second pitch, he was at 1 ball and 1 strike when he swung at a 93.1 mph (149.8 km/h) fastball on the third pitch. However, it was a slow roller heading straight to the second baseman. He was retired on a groundout to the second baseman.

In the third inning with one out and no runners on base, he hit a strong ball but could not get it past the infield. With a count of 2 balls and 2 strikes, he connected on a 81.7 mph (131.5 km/h) high sweeper on the fifth pitch, but again, it went straight to the second baseman. However, it was a hard-hit ball at 96.6 mph (155.5 km/h). Ohtani was just unlucky, ultimately finishing 0-for-7 against Imamura.

Not only Ohtani but the entire Dodgers lineup managed just four walks against Imamura until the fourth inning. They remained silent, as in a no-hitter. Eventually, both Ohtani and the Dodgers began to break through after Imamura was taken out in the fifth inning. The Cubs replaced Imamura with Ben Brown starting in the fifth.

In the top of the fifth inning with one out, Andy Pages reached on a walk. Then Ohtani stepped up to the plate. He swung and missed at the first two pitches, both knuckle curves from Brown. However, after fouling off a 95.4 mph (153.5 km/h) fastball on the third pitch, he connected on an 85.6 mph (137.8 km/h) high knuckle curve on the fourth pitch for a hit toward right field. This was Ohtani and the Dodgers' first hit of the 2025 season, with an exit velocity of 107.4 mph (172.8 km/h). Ohtani continued the opportunity with runners on first and third and one out.

Following that, Tommy Edman tied the game with a timely hit, and an error on a ground ball by Teoscar Hernández allowed Ohtani to score. They took a 2-1 lead. Then, with an additional timely hit by Will Smith, the Dodgers led 3-1.

During a lull in the game, the Dodgers, thanks to Ohtani, secured the victory. In the ninth inning, leading off, Ohtani faced Ryan Brasier, and in a 2 balls and 2 strikes count, he crushed a low 85 mph slider on the fifth pitch for a double to right field. It was a blazing line drive with an exit velocity of 107.8 mph (173.5 km/h). Subsequently, Ohtani easily crossed home plate after a timely single by Teoscar Hernández. It was a crucial insurance run.

The game ended in victory for the Dodgers, and Ohtani delivered a powerful performance. However, Imamura thoroughly contained Ohtani, throwing 69 pitches over four innings, allowing two hits, four walks, and no earned runs, asserting once again his dominance over Ohtani.

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