UPDATE: Seiya Suzuki aims to regain his confidence as the Chicago Cubs charge toward the playoffs, following a 1-0 loss to the Cincinnati Reds yesterday. Despite the defeat, Suzuki’s performance, including the Cubs’ only hit, stands out as he prepares for the postseason.
In an electrifying postgame scene at PNC Park, Suzuki celebrated the Cubs clinching a playoff spot, but not without a few mishaps. During the champagne shower, he accidentally lost his contacts after a splash of bubbly hit his face. “I couldn’t really see what was going on… it was so much fun,” Suzuki recounted through interpreter Edwin Stanberry on Thursday. He humorously added, “I can’t drink so it’s like you can still get drunk through your skin.”
On the field, Suzuki managed to hit his 30th double of the season off Reds starter Hunter Greene, who nearly threw a no-hitter. The Cubs struggled offensively, with only two other baserunners in the game. Right-hander Colin Rea delivered a standout performance, striking out a career-high 11 batters in seven innings, but a lone RBI double from Will Benson in the fourth inning sealed the Cubs’ fate.
The Cubs have faced challenges since the All-Star break, with Suzuki’s performance notably declining. He entered Thursday’s game with just five doubles, two home runs, and 14 RBIs over the past 49 games, sporting a dismal .200/.265/.265 batting line. Hitting coach Dustin Kelly highlighted Suzuki’s struggle, noting, “I think him just getting some confidence… and have these quality at-bats.”
As the regular season enters its final days, Suzuki is keen to regain his offensive power. “For me, the biggest thing is just regaining that confidence and then bringing that into the postseason,” he stated. After missing five games due to a bronchitis-like illness, Suzuki’s recent hit is a promising sign as he looks to turn his season around.
With only 10 days left in the regular season, the Cubs are eager for Suzuki to find his rhythm. Manager Craig Counsell praised his swings against the Reds, emphasizing the importance of hitting the right pitches. “There’s some result to that, but it’s swinging at the right pitches and hitting them hard,” Counsell noted.
As the postseason approaches, Suzuki understands the significance of this moment. “Once the postseason begins, everybody shifts into a different gear,” he said, expressing excitement for the challenges ahead. The Cubs are optimistic about their chances as they prepare to make noise in the playoffs, and Suzuki’s performance will be crucial to their success.
With the atmosphere heating up in Chicago, fans are eagerly anticipating what lies ahead for Suzuki and the Cubs as they aim for postseason glory.
