In a dazzling display of power hitting, Seiya Suzuki of the Chicago Cubs shone brightly on April 2, 2025, during a game against the Oakland Athletics at Sutter Health Park in Sacramento. The 30-year-old outfielder, batting as the 'No. 2, Right Field,' launched two home runs, including a spectacular 3-run homer in the second inning and a solo shot in the fourth, marking his third and fourth home runs of the season respectively.
Suzuki's first notable contribution came in the second inning with two outs and runners on first and third. He expertly swung at the first pitch, an 89.5 mph fastball from Athletics' left-handed pitcher Springs, sending the ball soaring into the left-center field stands. The impressive shot traveled a distance of 401 feet (approximately 122 meters) with a launch angle of 24 degrees and a velocity of 112.9 mph (approximately 181.7 km/h). This home run not only extended the Cubs' lead but also showcased Suzuki's growing confidence at the plate.
After hitting a 2-run homer in the previous game against the same team, Suzuki's performance has been nothing short of remarkable. He has now hit three home runs in his last four games, putting him on pace for an astonishing 54 home runs this season. Suzuki's recent surge has seen him surpass fellow superstar Shohei Ohtani in home runs, with Suzuki boasting nine compared to Ohtani's seven.
In the fourth inning, Suzuki continued his offensive onslaught with another home run, this time a solo shot off a 93.3 mph cutter, further solidifying his status as a key player for the Cubs. This marked the fourth time in his major league career that he has hit back-to-back home runs in consecutive at-bats, a feat he last accomplished on August 24, 2024.
Despite the Cubs ultimately falling to the Athletics with a final score of 10-2, Suzuki's performance was a bright spot in an otherwise challenging game. He has now recorded hits in four consecutive games, totaling four home runs during this stretch. His batting average has also seen an uptick, rising to .229 as he continues to shake off a rough start to the season, where he struggled with 16 strikeouts in his first eight games.
Reflecting on his performance, Suzuki expressed optimism about his approach at the plate, stating, "I feel like I’m getting into a good rhythm. I’m focusing on swinging at good pitches, and it’s paying off." His confidence is evident, and fans are eagerly anticipating what he will do next as the season progresses.
Suzuki's journey has not been without challenges. He began the season with a tough stretch, failing to secure a hit in his first 12 at-bats during the opening series against the Los Angeles Dodgers at the Tokyo Dome. However, his resilience and determination have propelled him to find his form, and he now appears to be in a groove that could lead to a record-breaking season.
As the Cubs look to build on their recent performances, Suzuki's contributions will be crucial. His ability to hit for power and consistently get on base will be vital for the Cubs' success this season. Fans and analysts alike are closely watching his progress, as he continues to establish himself as one of the premier hitters in Major League Baseball.
In summary, Seiya Suzuki's recent performances have not only highlighted his power-hitting capabilities but also his potential to lead the Cubs to success this season. With his current trajectory, he could be on the cusp of achieving a remarkable milestone in home runs, and his fans are eagerly awaiting the next chapter in his impressive career.
