Chicago Cubs rookie outfielder Seiya Suzuki has not been phased by the transition from Japan to the United States.
The 27-year-old has been on fire to start the season, hitting .414 with four home runs and 11 RBIs in his first 29 career at-bats.
He even had a nice little nine-game hitting streak going.
However, that streak has finally come to an end.
Although he still drew three walks, Suzuki was left standing on deck after utilityman Jonathan Villar made the final out in their game against the Tampa Bay Rays.
Obviously, Suzuki had gone hitless to that point, and the final out made sure his streak was at an end.
David Ross didn't move Seiya Suzuki up far enough in the lineup apparently. He's left on deck as the lead off spot is the only one to get that 'extra' AB. Suzuki's hit streak to begin the season ends at 9, though he did walk 3 times.
— Jesse Rogers (@JesseRogersESPN) April 20, 2022
The Sky Is The Limit
Though it’s disappointing to see the streak end, this is just the beginning for Suzuki.
He has an extremely bright future and he’s far from through making his mark on Major League Baseball.
He still is off to a very good start in his MLB career.
The Japanese rookie phenom is just getting started.
But who knows what would have happened had Villar reached base and extended the game to Suzuki?
Could Suzuki have won it for the Cubs and sent the crowd into a frenzy?
Possibly, but he’ll have other opportunities to do that.
There’s one thing he’s really good at, and that is hitting.
Anytime you can start off a season, let alone a career with a .414 batting average in 29 at-bats, you’re doing something right.
The sky is the limit for somebody of Suzuki’s caliber.
He’ll continue to have opportunities to make some history and give fans in Chicago something to cheer about.
Perhaps an even longer hit streak is on the horizon.
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