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MLB Notes: Seiya Suzuki is Making Key Contributions for the Resurgent Cubs

Suzuki, a 30-year-old outfielder, had three- and four-hit performances in a span of four MLB games and helped the Cubs win five of their last six games.

Published

2 weeks ago

August 29, 2024

Ed Odeven

Chicago Cubs slugger Seiya Suzuki belts a two-run home run in the fourth inning against the Pittsburgh Pirates on August 27 at PNC Park. (©GETTY IMAGES/via KYODO)

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Chicago Cubs right fielder Seiya Suzuki is on a hitting tear as his team seeks to bolster its chances of clinching a playoff spot. The Cubs, who have 29 games remaining on their 2024 MLB schedule, have won seven of their last 10 (through August 27).

In his last seven games, Suzuki pounded out 14 hits in 30 at-bats (.467 batting average). This included a 4-for-6 performance and three runs in the Cubs' 18-8 rout of the Pittsburgh Pirates on Monday, August 26.

A day later, Suzuki smacked a game-tying two-run home run, his 19th of the season, in the fourth inning off Jared Jones and went 2-for-4 in Chicago's 9-5 road triumph over Pittsburgh at PNC Park. It was the Cubs' fifth win in their last six games.

Suzuki later said he knew what to expect from Jones, a 23-year-old right-hander. And he smacked the MLB rookie's 3-1 pitch over the right-field fence.

"The pitcher's fastballs have good velocity, and I went into the batter's box geared up for that," Suzuki said of Jones, according to Kyodo News.

Suzuki, who turned 30 on August 18, also had a noteworthy 3-for-5 performance (two homers and a triple) with three runs and four RBIs in a 14-2 pounding of the host Miami Marlins on Saturday, August 24. Japanese teammate Shota Imanaga picked up his 10th win of the season with seven innings of four-hit, two-run ball. Imanaga is 10-3 in his first MLB season.

The Cubs are Among MLB's Hottest Teams

With the win on Tuesday, Chicago improved to 67-66, climbing above .500 for the first time since May 28. The Cubs are tied for MLB's second-best record over their last 10 games.

That said, the Milwaukee Brewers lead the National League Central with a 75-56 record. But the rival Cubs are playing quality baseball and appear capable of making a spirited run at one of three wild card berths.

"We've become consistent, I think," Chicago manager Craig Counsell told reporters, assessing their overall play of late after Tuesday's win.

"And then we've played consistent enough baseball," he added, according to The Associated Press, noting the Cubs have won four consecutive series.

He continued: "That's consistency. So, that's what we're doing a nice job of."

Suzuki, in his third season with the Cubs, agreed with first-year manager Counsell's general viewpoint.

"The team, we've always played together," Suzuki was quoted as saying by The Associated Press. "I think, right now, everybody is playing well."

Suzuki leads the Cubs with a .276 batting average. He's second on the club in home runs and RBIs (63).

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Author: Ed Odeven

Find Ed on JAPAN Forward's dedicated website, SportsLook. Follow his [Japan Sports Notebook] on Sundays, [Odds and Evens] during the week, and X (formerly Twitter) ＠ed_odeven.