The Cubs played their first game in Tokyo Saturday afternoon, an exhibition game against the Hanshin Tigers from the NPB. Chicago had all of their regulars in the lineup, but Hanshin put up a shutout and took home the win.
The North Siders went with a bullpen game to give all of their key relievers an appearance on Saturday. The Tigers got their first run off of Caleb Thielbar in the bottom of the 3rd via an RBI double from Koji Chikamoto.
Hanshin lefty starter Keito Mombetsu pitched five perfect frames to begin the contest.