Dodgers Start Third Japanese Pitcher in Historic Series Finale

The Los Angeles Dodgers and Cleveland Guardians conclude their three-game series Wednesday at Dodger Stadium, where right-hander Yoshinobu Yamamoto will start for Los Angeles against Cleveland's Gavin Williams, marking the first time in major league history a team has opened a season with three consecutive starts by Japanese-born pitchers.

The Dodgers, who entered the series with a 3-0 record after sweeping the Arizona Diamondbacks, suffered their first loss Monday in a 4-2 defeat to the Guardians. Rookie left-hander Parker Messick delivered six scoreless innings in his debut, scattering five hits and striking out five, while Roki Sasaki allowed one run over four-plus innings in his season debut for Los Angeles. Cleveland broke a scoreless tie in the third on doubles by Austin Hedges and Steven Kwan, then added three runs in the seventh against reliever Justin Wrobleski, highlighted by a two-run double from Daniel Schneemann. The Dodgers rallied for two runs in the ninth off closer Cade Smith, but fell short.

Los Angeles rebounded Tuesday with a 4-1 victory, as Shohei Ohtani dominated in his first start of the season, permitting one hit over six scoreless innings with six...