In a highly anticipated season opener, Yusei Kikuchi took the mound for the Los Angeles Angels against the Chicago White Sox on March 27, 2025 (March 28 in Japan). This marked a significant milestone for Kikuchi, as it was his first time serving as an opening day starter in his seventh year in Major League Baseball. The excitement was palpable as fans gathered at Guaranteed Rate Field in Chicago to witness the clash between the two teams.
Kikuchi's performance started off rocky but showed promise as the game progressed. In the first inning, he allowed a double to White Sox’s leadoff hitter, Luis Robert, but managed to escape without conceding a run. However, the second inning proved challenging for the Angels' pitcher. He faced off against the White Sox's Slater, who hit a home run, marking the first run of the game. Kikuchi's troubles compounded as he subsequently gave up consecutive hits, which led to a two-run double by Vargas, resulting in a three-run inning for the White Sox.
Despite the early setback, Kikuchi found his rhythm, displaying resilience by shutting down the opposing lineup for four consecutive innings. Over six innings, he threw 87 pitches, recorded five strikeouts, and allowed just five hits, finishing with three earned runs. His fastest pitch reached an impressive 96.3 miles per hour (approximately 155 kilometers per hour). Kikuchi's ability to strike out batters without issuing any walks highlighted his control on the mound, a positive takeaway from an otherwise disappointing outing.
Unfortunately for Kikuchi and the Angels, the offense struggled to support him. The Angels managed only one run throughout the game, falling to the White Sox with a final score of 1-8. The lack of run support left Kikuchi with the loss, marking a tough start to the season for the Angels, who had high hopes for a turnaround after a dismal previous season.
Post-game, Kikuchi reflected on his performance, expressing both disappointment and optimism. “It was a wasted game,” he said. “The balls I gave up, including the home run, were a bit too good, so I think it’s just something I have to accept.” He acknowledged the unfortunate timing of Vargas's two-run double but remained determined to move forward. “In a long season, things like this happen, and sometimes good hits end up right at someone. I allowed a big inning in the second, but I managed to settle down and create a good game afterward, which I think is a positive for the future.”
Kikuchi also noted the importance of his pitch selection, admitting that he relied too heavily on his slider in the early innings. “I probably threw too many sliders, which made it easier for them to target. The ball itself wasn’t bad, but the setup around it was off,” he explained. However, he found some silver linings in his performance, stating, “I didn’t walk anyone, and I was able to stay ahead in the count, which I think is a good sign.”
Looking ahead, Kikuchi emphasized the importance of consistency. “What matters most is how my numbers look by October. I want to focus on staying healthy and maintaining my rotation throughout the season. I was excited to take the mound today, but the bigger picture is what I can achieve over the entire season,” he concluded.
The Angels’ loss was particularly disappointing given the high expectations surrounding the team this year. After finishing with 121 losses last season, the White Sox celebrated a strong start to their campaign, showcasing their potential to bounce back. The Angels, on the other hand, will need to regroup quickly as they prepare for their next match. The team’s management expressed confidence in Kikuchi’s abilities, with Angels’ coach noting, “He was outstanding today. If we had just managed to get one more hit, the outcome could have been different.”
As the season unfolds, all eyes will be on Kikuchi and the Angels to see if they can turn their fortunes around. With a long season ahead, fans remain hopeful that the team can capitalize on Kikuchi's promising performance and find their rhythm at the plate. The Angels will be looking to bounce back in their next game and provide their pitchers with the support they need to succeed.
