This story was excerpted from Jordan Bastian’s Cubs Beat newsletter. To read the full newsletter, click here. And subscribe to get it regularly in your inbox.

TOKYO – The Tokyo Dome video board lit up Sunday night with the words “ CUBS WIN,” flashing between English and Japanese. Clark, the team mascot, waved a “W” flag in center field. And “Go Cubs Go” played over the loudspeakers, celebrating the team’s first exhibition game win.

TOKYO (TNS)— Chicago Cubs left-hander Matthew Boyd stays focused on checking all the boxes. Keeping his delivery sound. Staying behind the baseball. Driving down on the pitch. And in Sunday’s unique atmosphere, embracing the moment in front of a vocal crowd of Yomiuri Giants supporters.