Suzuki's Return Powers Chicago Cubs in Thrashing of Dodgers

You could not have scripted a better return for right fielder Seiya Suzuki. Upon his return, Suzuki slotted right into the middle of the Chicago Cubs lineup and helped propel his team to a thrashing of the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Chicago went on to defeat the Dodgers in 8-2 fashion and were propelled by five home runs on the evening. It was a fantastic showing from the offense who has been feast or famine to start the season.

One of those home runs was from Suzuki in the eighth inning, a solo shot to left-center field. It followed Ian Happs powerful home run the at-bat before that went 423 feet.

“It was my goal to get back here as soon as possible,” Suzuki said via interpreter Toy Matsushita before the game Friday. “And now I’m here. So I’m very excited for what’s ahead.”

Suzuki added extra punch to an already powerful Cubs lineup.

“Getting off to a good start is, for sure, important for any (team),” catcher Yan Gomes said this week. “But at the same time, I feel like it’s important to understand what we’re building here.”

And Suzuki proved he is able to be a part of that on Friday night.

Lost in all the lights and noise of Suzuki's return and Cody Bellinger's return to Dodger Stadium was the performance of Justin Steele.

The starter pitched 7.0 innings of two-run baseball against a very talented Dodgers lineup. It was an incredibly impressive performance from a player that will be heavily relied upon this season.

The bullpen also pitched two clean innings to mop up the blowout.

Chicago will go against against Los Angeles on Saturday night with first pitch slated for a late 8:10 p.m. CT start.

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