The Tokyo Series could rightly be called the series for Ohtani. The entire city of Tokyo was swept by a blue Dodgers wave to see Ohtani. Ohtani responded by showcasing his best performance on the field.

On the 19th, Ohtani started as the designated hitter in the second game of the Major League World Tour Tokyo Series against the Chicago Cubs, playing a key role in the team's 6-3 victory with 1 hit (1 home run), 1 RBI, and 2 runs scored from 3 at-bats, including 1 hit and 1 walk.

The Tokyo Series was aptly themed around Ohtani. The entire Tokyo was engulfed in a blue Dodgers wave to see Ohtani. In return, Ohtani showed his best performance on the ground. On the 15th, he greeted fans with a two-run homer in a practice game against the Yomiuri Giants.

In the first game on the 18th, he contributed to the team's 4-1 victory with multi-hits and a total of 2 hits with 5 at-bats, scoring twice. He registered the team's first hit and his personal first hit with a single in the 5th inning, leading to 3 runs afterwards.

In the game on the 19th, Ohtani popped out to left field in his first at-bat in the 1st inning and grounded out to first base in his second at-bat in the 3rd inning.

The ball soared high into right-center field and touched the hands of a fan behind the fence before falling to the ground. Center fielder Pete Crow-Armstrong requested a replay, and the Cubs' bench also filed for a replay.

This was Ohtani's first home run of the 2025 season, after achieving a remarkable 54 home runs and 59 stolen bases last year. It was also a historic moment as he hit his first home run in his home country of Japan.

Fans at Tokyo Dome wanted to see more of Ohtani at-bat and the thrilling results. However, no more opportunities came for Ohtani. In the 7th inning, with 2 outs and a runner on 1st base, Ohtani stepped into the fourth at-bat. But the Cubs bench instructed an intentional walk for Ohtani.

In the 9th inning, Ohtani came up to bat again. With 1 out and runners on 1st and 2nd base, he stepped into his final at-bat. However, mound pitcher Ryan Pressly did not throw a strike. His control was shaky, and all pitches hit the ground.

The fans' boos expressed disappointment at Ohtani's easy exit from the at-bat. The fans gathered at Tokyo Dome wanted to hold on to Ohtani in a Dodgers uniform for as long as possible. Ohtani also felt this atmosphere.

Nonetheless, Ohtani overcame all the pressure and tension. He was able to return to the U.S. with gifts of multi-hits and a home run for the fans who came to see him.

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