Los Angeles Dodgers vs. Chicago Cubs: MLB Tokyo Series Betting Preview

Introduction

The Los Angeles Dodgers and Chicago Cubs square off in Game 2 of the MLB World Tour: Tokyo Series on March 19, 2025, at the Tokyo Dome in Japan. The Dodgers took the series opener with a 4-1 victory, showcasing strong pitching and timely hitting. With Roki Sasaki making his highly anticipated MLB debut for Los Angeles against Cubs ace Justin Steele, this game promises another exciting showdown.

Game Details

Matchup	Los Angeles Dodgers vs. Chicago Cubs
Date	March 19, 2025
Time	3:10 AM EST
Location	Tokyo Dome, Tokyo, Japan
Weather	Indoor Stadium (Weather Not a Factor)

Betting Odds

Team	Moneyline	Run Line	Total Runs
Los Angeles Dodgers	-155	-1.5 (+110)	Over 7.5 (-115)
Chicago Cubs	+130	+1.5 (-130)	Under 7.5 (-105)

Team Analysis

Los Angeles Dodgers

The Dodgers started their season with a solid 4-1 win in Game 1, backed by strong pitching and an opportunistic offense. Key contributors include:

• Will Smith: .500 AVG, .800 OBP.
• Teoscar Hernández: 1 RBI, .250 AVG.

The Dodgers' pitching was dominant, allowing just three hits while striking out nine batters.

Chicago Cubs

The Cubs struggled offensively in Game 1, managing just one run on three hits. Key players to watch include:

• Miguel Amaya: 1 RBI, .333 AVG.
• Ian Happ: .333 AVG, .500 OBP.

Chicago’s pitching kept them in the game but issued eight walks, leading to scoring opportunities for Los Angeles.

Starting Pitcher Analysis

Roki Sasaki (Dodgers)

The 22-year-old sensation from Japan makes his MLB debut after dominating in NPB. Known for his elite fastball and devastating splitter, Sasaki has the potential to be a game-changer for the Dodgers.

Justin Steele (Cubs)

Steele was the Cubs' most reliable starter last season, posting a sub-3.00 ERA. His command and ability to generate weak contact will be crucial against a deep Dodgers lineup.

Recent Performance

Los Angeles Dodgers

Date	Opponent	Result
3/18/25	Chicago Cubs	Won 4-1
3/11/25	Cleveland Guardians	Won 10-4
3/10/25	Arizona Diamondbacks	Won 6-2
3/9/25	Oakland Athletics	Lost 7-5
3/8/25	Chicago White Sox	Lost 5-2

Chicago Cubs

Date	Opponent	Result
3/18/25	Los Angeles Dodgers	Lost 4-1
3/11/25	Milwaukee Brewers	Lost 9-7
3/10/25	Cleveland Guardians	Won 7-4
3/9/25	San Francisco Giants	Lost 8-6
3/8/25	Seattle Mariners	Won 9-8

Head-to-Head Comparison

Los Angeles leads the series 1-0 after a dominant pitching performance in Game 1. The Cubs will look to bounce back, but with Sasaki on the mound, runs may be difficult to come by.

Against the Spread (ATS) Records

ATS records are limited with this being the start of the season, but the Dodgers covered the -1.5 run line in their opening game.

Betting Stats and Trends

• The Dodgers have won four of their last five games, including Spring Training.
• Roki Sasaki has a career 1.99 ERA in Japan and could dominate in his MLB debut.
• The Cubs managed only three hits in Game 1, struggling to make hard contact.

Prediction

With Roki Sasaki making his MLB debut and the Dodgers already showing superior pitching and plate discipline, Los Angeles has the clear advantage. Chicago struggled offensively in Game 1, and facing Sasaki will only make things more difficult.

Pick: Los Angeles Dodgers Moneyline (-155)

Expect the Dodgers to take a commanding 2-0 series lead with another strong pitching performance.