Rays shut down Seiya Suzuki, edge Cubs 6-5

[April 20, 2022]  Tampa Bay's Wander Franco had three hits, including a two-run home run, and a patched-up Rays pitching staff silenced Cubs rookie Seiya Suzuki on the way to a 6-5 victory in Chicago on Tuesday.

Franco's two-run blast in the third inning traveled 417 feet and was his first home run of the season. That snapped a four-game streak in which Tampa Bay had not hit a home run.

Suzuki had opened the season by hitting in nine straight games, which tied Akinori Iwamura's record for the longest streak by a Japanese-born player to open the season. Suzuki entered the game tied with Andy Pafko for the Cubs' record for a player at the start of his career, set in 1943.

Suzuki went 0-for-1 with three walks. He was on deck when the final out was made.

Tampa Bay manager Kevin Cash successfully used the "opener" role he first came up with in 2018 to conserve the load on his pitching staff. Matt Wisler got the start and held the Cubs scoreless before Josh Fleming took over with two outs in the second inning. In all, Tampa Bay used six pitchers.

Fleming earned the win despite giving up three runs in 3 1/3 innings. Andrew Kittredge held the Cubs scoreless in the final two innings and picked up his second save.

The Rays first showed the opener concept against the Angels on May 19, 2018. The Rays have used the opener strategy 132 times in the regular season and postseason. They are 81-51 in those games.

Apr 19, 2022; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Tampa Bay Rays right fielder Randy Arozarena (56) is tagged out at home plate by Chicago Cubs catcher Willson Contreras (40) during the fifth inning at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-USA TODAY Sports

Chicago's Patrick Wisdom hit a two-run home run and Frank Schwindel had an RBI double against Fleming in the fourth inning.

With Tampa Bay leading 4-3 in the seventh inning, Randy Arozarena doubled to score Taylor Walls and Harold Ramirez had an RBI single to pad the advantage.

Cubs starter Justin Steele gave up four runs on three hits in 2 2/3 innings.

--Field Level Media

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