More like it was expected from the Dodgers superstar! Shohei Ohtani hasn’t made fans unhappy, as he literally ignited the Dodgers. However, Ohtani made a surprising revelation about the challenge that he faces while playing at his native place. But that didn’t stop the jam-packed Tokyo Dome go into a frenzy at the mere sight of him. Even the Dodgers’ Manager, Dave Roberts, could not believe the speculations surrounding Ohtani.
The 2025 MLB season started today in Japan, and the Los Angeles Dodgers emerged victorious against the Chicago Cubs by 4-1. But what’s more exciting is the way Shohei Ohtani played, isn’t it?
While both the Dodgers and Cubs boast of some good Japanese players, Shohei Ohtani managed two hits while getting proper support from the starting pitcher, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, who was impressive too. During the fifth inning of the Tokyo Series opener, Ohtani made the first big hit of this season, roping the 107.4 mph double down the right field.
But during the post-match interview with Dodgers insider, Noah Camras, Ohtani shared, “I was actually pretty nervous. It’s been a while since I was nervous, but today, definitely felt it.”
A smiling Shohei Ohtani admitted he was nervous playing in front of his hometown fans in the Dodgers opener in Japan:
“I was actually pretty nervous. It’s been a while since I was nervous, but today, definitely felt it.”
Ohtani had 2 hits and 2 runs.pic.twitter.com/AwKALrs4JA
— Noah Camras (@noahcamras) March 18, 2025
Shohei Ohtani‘s nervousness was mainly because of how fans expected him to deliver! Well, true, sometimes, for a star like him as well might get overwhelmed, no? But he lived up to that expectation—two hits and two runs.
In response to whether he has been trying anything different to normalize things, Ohtani said, “The biggest challenge coming into this situation was knowing I’ve never played a game being in the visiting clubhouse. Despite that, I’m glad I was able to put up some results.” He clearly mentioned that he had never played a game in the clubhouse in Japan, and that was a bit challenging for him to cope with.
However, Ohtani, who rarely fails, delivered, and ended up on the winning side.
The Tokyo Series opener was not just Ohtani’s day
While Shohei Ohtani continued to impress, just as he had been doing for the past couple of years, Yoshinobu Yamamoto delivered massively. He made an excellent outing in the Tokyo Series opener by pitching five innings, where he allowed only one run while striking out four. Playing in front of the countrymen was very special for the Japanese stars, as Yamamoto and Ohtani gave their best.
Ultimately, the defending World Series Champion Los Angeles Dodgers won their first season opener game. But that doesn’t mean that the Cubs’ performance was ignorable as Shota Imanaga ruled the mound.
Imanaga pitched four innings without any score and didn’t allow any hits but walked four. He even made two strikeouts, but, failed to get his team over the line. However, the top moment of the game remains Ohtani being grounded out while playing against Imanaga during his first at-bat.
But, Ohtani knows his power, as he literally blasted off, hitting the first run against Ben Brown, the Cubs’ reliever—then pushed the 107 mph single to the right field, making it a three-run inning for the Dodgers.
Overall, Game 1 was filled with thrilling moments. Which one(s) was your favorite? Care to share?
The post ‘Nervous’ Shohei Ohtani Opens Up on Major Challenge as He Admits Overwhelming Pressure of Playing in Japan appeared first on EssentiallySports.
