After getting off to something of a rough start in spring training, Chicago Cubs outfielder Seiya Suzuki seems to be getting into a groove.
Suzuki slugged his first home run of the spring on Wednesday. In Saturday afternoon’s game against the Los Angeles Angels, he had an encore. Suzuki took a 1-2 pitch from Angels pitcher Patrick Sandoval and drove it over the left-center field wall — with plenty of room to spare. Suzuki even found the time to work in a cool celebration with third-base coach Willie Harris.
Two hits, two homers 🔥 pic.twitter.com/GVZwXLxrpX
— Marquee Sports Network (@WatchMarquee) April 2, 2022
Cubs fans in attendance were excited to see Suzuki’s power in action. Those watching the game on at home were similarly excited.
Someone seems to be settling in nicely 😏 https://t.co/U0kHrngw8i
— Nick (@MacroTragedy) April 2, 2022
That's pretty. https://t.co/X82wX05hVZ
— Cubs DNA (@CubsDna) April 2, 2022
It might take him some time to adjust fully but once he does 🔥 https://t.co/pm1wowoxXw
— Aaron (@Dope_RedBeard) April 2, 2022
SEIYA LATER! https://t.co/0waRadyoEp
— Dubs (@MikeDubsRadio) April 2, 2022
I'm not saying, but I'm saying 😳🙏🤞 https://t.co/ofymR4Lg8q pic.twitter.com/HcFgCrlH1F
— Dexter Washington (@DexWash24) April 2, 2022
That is just such easy power, I love it. This dude at Wrigley with those comfortable alleys? Yes, oh yes. https://t.co/ZgBqZjfzhU
— Evan Altman (@DEvanAltman) April 2, 2022
While Wrigley Field has long had a reputation as a hitter’s park, it’s actually one of MLB’s bigger parks down the lines. The left field foul pole is listed at 355 feet from home while the right field foul pole is 353 feet. But both the left-center and right-center field gaps are listed at 368, which is quite hitter-friendly. If Suzuki can show this kind of power into the gaps when the Cubs head north for the regular season, he’s going to like his new home stadium.
Suzuki is still getting used to MLB and it may take some time to get completely acclimated. But with less than a week to go before Opening Day, his swing is rounding into form at the exact right time.
