⚾️ The first Japanese right-handed hitter showdown in 18 years goes to Seiya Suzuki! Seiya Suzuki of the Cubs had a great performance with 3 hits against the Blue Jays. In the first inning, he hit a 2-run double, sparking an explosion in the batting lineup. In addition, he added a hit to the left field and an infield hit, marking the first time he won the hard hitting award since May 29th. On the other hand, Kazuma Okamoto of the Blue Jays started as the No. 7 third baseman, but had no hits and one strikeout in three at-bats. On defense, he deflected a batted ball in the fifth inning, recording his seventh error of the season. The Cubs won the game 16-2. Before the game, Suzuki and Okamoto exchanged a hug, marking the first match between Japanese right-handed hitters in 18 years. 📊 **Results** * Seiya Suzuki: 3 hits, 2 RBIs in 4 at bats* Kazuma Okamoto: 0 hits, 1 error in 3 at bats 🔥The first round of the historic match between Japanese right-handed batters was an overwhelming victory as Seiya Suzuki showed his presence both offensively and defensively. The last time a Japanese right-handed hitter played in the same game was on August 16, 2008, when the Padres’ Motohito Iguchi started at second base and the Phillies’ So Taguchi appeared as a pinch hitter. It was the first time that both players faced off in the starting lineup since May 17 of the same year, when Iguchi played “No. 2, second base” and Kenji Jojima of the Mariners played “No. 5, DH.”
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