CHICAGO - Seiya Suzuki launched his 23rd home run for the Chicago Cubs during a 3-for-5, two-RBI outing in Saturday's 17-5 victory over the Cincinnati Reds.
Suzuki capped off Chicago's offensive outburst with his two-run shot in the eighth inning off catcher Jose Trevino, brought on to pitch late in the blowout, sending his high arcing slow pitch 406 feet (124 meters) out to left field.
The 32-year-old outfielder, who batted second in the lineup as designated hitter, responded with a wry smile when asked about the homer.
"You don't really need a comment on a home run hit off a position player, do you?" he said.
Suzuki showed more satisfaction with his first inning single to right field and fourth inning single to center, both of which came after he fell behind in the count with two strikes.
"When I'm down in the count, I don't just take a 'do-or-die' full swing, but change my approach at the plate," he said.
The Cubs racked up six home runs at Wrigley Field, including three from leading National League MVP contender Pete Crow-Armstrong as part of a four-hit, six-RBI performance.
Suzuki heaped praise on the 24-year-old center fielder, who is widely seen as the chief rival to Shohei Ohtani in the MVP race.
"It's rare to see someone emerge who can truly challenge Shohei, so it's amazing to see this happening," Suzuki said. "This battle is going to be interesting."
