The Chicago Cubs haven’t had the season many followers had hoped for, particularly after getting off to a powerful begin and giving followers a glimpse of what they’re able to.
Regardless of the disappointing run they’ve had in 2024, the Cubs discovered a technique to make a singular occasion of MLB historical past on Saturday.
Opta Stats shared that in Saturday’s 14-2 beatdown over the Miami Marlins, the Cubs turned the primary staff in MLB historical past to have one Japanese participant report not less than three extra-base hits and one other Japanese participant earn the win in the identical sport when Seiya Suzuki hit two residence runs and a triple and Shota Imanaga twirled seven innings of two-run ball for the straightforward victory.
That is the form of obscure stat which may by no means be damaged and it’s not precisely one thing anyone will inform their youngsters about, however it’s a cool testomony to see how far Japanese gamers have come.
Imanaga has been among the best signings of the offseason and made the All-Star staff as a rookie with Saturday’s win shifting his stats to 10-3 on the 12 months with a 3.08 ERA.
Suzuki has gotten extra snug every year and is regularly turning into one of many sport’s higher outfielders.
The extra Japanese gamers that come to MLB and succeed, the extra it opens the door for groups to really feel assured giving huge contracts to abroad expertise.
Shohei Ohtani is working away with the NL MVP award for the Los Angeles Dodgers and Masataka Yoshida is turning into a drive within the Boston Pink Sox lineup as properly.
Japan’s run to successful the 2023 World Baseball Traditional was no fluke.
These guys are right here to remain.