The China Mail - Ohtani hits home run as Dodgers sweep Cubs in Tokyo

Japan's Ohtani thrilled another sold-out crowd at the Tokyo Dome when he blasted a one-run shot in the fifth inning as the World Series champion Dodgers completed a two-game season-opening sweep.

Japanese pitcher Sasaki showcased his ferocious fastball but struggled with his command in his first start since joining the Dodgers over the winter.

The 23-year-old hit 100 mph (160 kph) with his first three pitches and struck out three batters but also gave up five walks in three innings on the mound.

Tommy Edman and Kike Hernandez also hit home runs for the Dodgers, who beat the Cubs 4-1 in Tuesday's Game 1.

Over 40,000 fans erupted when Ohtani hit a home run to right centre field in his third trip to the plate.

The call was reviewed but eventually upheld, giving fans an excuse to celebrate a second time.

The Cubs walked Ohtani at his next at-bat, prompting loud boos from the crowd.

Ohtani is a national hero in Japan and his first visit with the Dodgers has been eagerly anticipated for months.

Fans were also waiting to see the hotly tipped Sasaki, whose father and grandparents were killed in Japan's 2011 tsunami.

The right-hander got his first MLB strikeout against the Cubs' Japanese batter Seiya Suzuki, letting out a loud grunt as he launched another thunderous fastball.

His command faltered as the game went on and he walked three batters in a row in the third inning before getting himself out of trouble with two straight strikeouts.

Edman hit the Dodgers' first home run of the season off Cubs starting pitcher Justin Steele in the third inning.

Hernandez crushed another in the fourth inning, hitting the ball high into the stands with a massive shot.

World Series MVP Freddie Freeman did not play for the Dodgers after missing Game 1 with a sore rib.

Mookie Betts was also absent after being sent home from Tokyo earlier in the week after suffering flu-like symptoms.

R.Yeung--ThChM