MLB Stars Ohtani and Suzuki Wielding Powerful Bats
Reporting on MLB sluggers Shohei Ohtani and Seiya Suzuki, the upcoming participation of the Utsunomiya Brex in Asia's Basketball Champions League and more.
Shohei Ohtani (left) and Seiya Suzuki (©KYODO; GETTY IMAGES/via KYODO)
Heading into the weekend of May 30-June 1, Japanese sluggers Shohei Ohtani and Seiya Suzuki lead MLB in two of baseball's most significant batting statistics ― home runs and RBIs, respectively.
Ohtani, a three-time MVP (twice with the Los Angeles Angels in the American League and the reigning winner in the National League), is No 1 in Major League Baseball with 20 home runs. The Los Angeles Dodgers superstar bashed his latest homer on May 27 against the Cleveland Guardians, a two-out, two-run blast in the fourth inning. LA won 9-5. Reigning National League MVP Shohei Ohtani (Brad Penner/IMAGN IMAGES/via REUTERS)
In May, Ohtani has hit 13 homers, reminding everyone that his power display in 2024 (54 round-trippers) was no fluke. And twice this month, he's homered in three consecutive games.
His 20th homer was also noteworthy from a historical context because he became only the third Dodger to slug at least 20 round-trippers in the team's first 55 games. The others: Cody Bellinger (20 in 2019) and Gil Hodges (21 in 1951).
Chicago Cubs star Suzuki, who is batting .273, leads MLB with 51 RBIs. He also has 14 homers. Suzuki was 11-for-27 in his last seven games, including four homers and eight RBIs.
In May, he's hit seven homers and amassed 26 RBIs.
Suzuki was named NL Player of the Week on May 26. And what a week it was for Suzuki, who batted .480 with three homers and four doubles in six games from May 19-25. He also drove in 10 runs in that span.
Cubs president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer is impressed with Suzuki's continued growth as a hitter.
"His ability to hit and to continue to develop hitting premium velocity has been really important," Hoyer said, according to MLB.com. "I just see a guy that's more aggressive both in demeanor and also in counts. He was a little bit more passive at the plate before. He's got guys on base and he's looking to do damage, and he has." Chicago Cubs slugger Seiya Suzuki bats against the Colorado Rockies on May 27 at Wrigley Field. (GETTY IMAGES/via KYODO)
Now in his fourth season with the Cubs, Suzuki is striving to be a productive player.
For the most part, he's pleased with his play of late on offense.
"I don't know if I can say it's the best [stretch of my career]," Suzuki said through an interpreter, MLB.com reported. "But I feel like I've been doing really well. Obviously, I'm going to have moments where the performance isn't as good, and I'll talk to the coaches and see what adjustments I need to make. But I'm happy with how it's gone so far." The Utsunomiya Brex, the 2024-25 B.League champions, celebrate their title-clinching win on May 27 at Yokohama Arena. (KYODO)
After winning the B.League title on Tuesday, May 27, the Utsunomiya Brex celebrated their glorious achievement.
But their offseason has not yet begun.
The Brex will participate in the Basketball Champions League Asia, which will be held June 7-13 in Dubai.
It will consist of eight nations' domestic champions plus the winner of the FIBA West Asia Super League. East Asian representatives include the Meralco Bolts (Philippines), the Changwon LG Sakers (South Korea) and the Zhejiang Lions (China).
First-round action will feature three groups, with round-robin competition in each group. B.League Finals: Utsunomiya Rallies Past Ryukyu to Capture the Title
Following the Ryukyu Golden Kings' 73-71 loss to the Brex in Game 3 of the B.League Finals, veteran forward Vic Law shared his thoughts on the team's disappointing finish.
Law's shot on the last play of the game was blocked, ending the possibility of overtime.
"Don't cry because it's over, smile because it happened," Law wrote on Twitter. "Heartbroken we couldn't win the championship but extremely proud of our team. No one believed we could make it there and we proved everyone wrong. Thank you to everyone who supported us along the way."
The Golden Kings reached the championship round for the fourth consecutive season, an unprecedented streak since the B.League was launched in 2016. Hiroki Yanagita (center) wins the men's 100-meter final at the Asian Athletics Championships on May 28 in Gumi, South Korea. (KYODO)
Four Japan national team representatives have secured gold medals at the ongoing Asian Athletics Championships (May 27-31) in Gumi, South Korea.
As of Friday, May 30, Japan's event winners are Hiroki Yanagita in the men's 100 meters (10.20 seconds, a season-best time), Kazuto Iizawa in the men's 1,500 (3:42.56, a personal-best time), Paris Olympian Rachid Muratake in the men's 110-meter hurdles (13.22 seconds), and Nanako Matsumoto in the women's 400 (52.17 seconds, a personal-best mark).
Yanagita, a 21-year-old athlete, had mixed feelings about his performance in the men's 100.
"I did manage to win consecutive victories [at the Asian Athletics Championships], but I wasn't satisfied with the results," Yanagita was quoted as saying by the Tokyo Broadcasting System website.
He added, "I was hoping that I could win consecutive victories by breaking the participation standard for the Tokyo World Athletics Championships (10.00 seconds). But I'm disappointed that I couldn't break the standard I had in mind the most."
For Matsumoto, her triumph in South Korea was satisfying.
"Winning a competition that I entered with the goal of winning gives me a lot of confidence," the 28-year-old said, according to TBS. ASICS' New Marathon Shoe Weighs Only 129 Grams
Author: Ed Odeven
Find Ed on JAPAN Forward' s dedicated website, SportsLook . Follow his [Japan Sports Notebook] on Sundays, [Odds and Evens] during the week, and X (formerly Twitter) ＠ed_odeven .
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Japan Forward
an hour ago
- Japan Forward
How Sustainability is Reshaping the Motorsports Industry
Sustainability and motorsports? At first glance, the two words seem almost incompatible. After all, auto racing has long been synonymous with speed, roaring engines, and clouds of carbon emissions. But a championship born in Britain is turning that perception on its head. Launched in 2014, Formula E is the world's first all-electric, single-seater motorsport, demonstrating that top-tier performance and environmental responsibility can go hand in hand. Designed to accelerate innovation in electric mobility, the series has become a global testbed for sustainable technologies. From tire recycling to low-emission logistics and clean energy use, Formula E sets a new benchmark for green racing. Amplifying this revolution are Japanese firms, harnessing the sport's platform to showcase cutting-edge technologies. Yamaha Motor Company Ltd, known for its motorcycles and robotics, has partnered with Team Laura Yamaha ABT to supply electric powertrains used to propel race cars. They also provide advanced energy management systems to extend range and enhance efficiency in electric vehicles. Teijin Limited, a leader in advanced materials and chemicals, is another example. Utilizing aramid technology, the company provides Team Envision with flame-resistant racing suits that withstand temperatures up to 400°C. Teijin's Tenax™ carbon fiber is also used in the world's first two-seater Formula E car, offering a lighter, more energy-efficient structure without compromising strength or speed. Team Envision showcases its race car and suit at an event in Tokyo. (©Kenji Yoshida) Meanwhile, TDK Corporation, a multinational electronics company, is collaborating with NEOM McLaren to deliver components like multilayer ceramic chip capacitors (MLCCs), voltage control systems, and temperature sensors. These technologies are crucial for regulating power and minimizing heat and signal interference under the extreme demands of electric racing. Leveraging the high-stakes environment of motor racing, these firms are stress-testing their equipment for real-world applications. The push for sustainability in Formula E isn't limited to suppliers, however. Manufacturers and racing teams themselves are integrating climate action into their core missions. Nissan Motor Corporation, the only Japanese automaker to field its own team, sees the championship as an extension of its electric vehicle strategy. "Formula E helps us accelerate transformation for road cars while promoting climate goals through specialized R&D and technical learning," said Tommaso Volpe, managing director of the Nissan Formula E team. Nissan's Tommaso Volpe signs an autograph for a fan in Tokyo (©Kenji Yoshida) Nissan is joined by an expanding lineup, including Jaguar TCS Racing, which is leading the way in using recycled components and circular economy principles. Andretti Global is also contributing to the shift, partnering with Porsche to develop energy-efficient racing technologies. Even teams not backed by traditional automakers are playing an important role. Envision Racing, based in Britain's Silverstone Park, is a notable one. Tag Heuer Porsche Formula E Team's garage at the Tokyo E-Prix. (©Kenji Yoshida) In 2020, it became the first motorsports team to sign the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change Sports for Climate Action Framework, pledging to align its operations with the Paris Agreement. The team has operated with net-zero carbon emissions since its inception. Envision also co-hosts the Race Against Climate Change summit in Tokyo alongside Teijin, bringing together industry leaders, investors, startups, and media to foster collaboration on climate solutions. Despite the growing traction of electric motorsports, challenges remain. Public perception is one. Traditional racing fans often lament the lack of a deafening engine blast and the spectacle of burning fuel. But Formula E insiders believe the sport's appeal lies elsewhere – namely, in its performance and trailblazing rules. "The Gen4 car, launching at the end of next year, will nearly double the power of our current model," said Sylvain Filippi, Envision Racing's managing director. "We're getting closer to Formula One performance — but without the emissions." For Filippi, the mission isn't about sacrifice, but innovation. "Most people want to maintain their lifestyles. The only viable path forward is breakthrough ideas and creativity." Team Envision's Sylvain greeting fans and sponsors at the Tokyo E-Prix in May (©Kenji Yoshida) Another headwind on the horizon is the United States' withdrawal from the 2015 climate accord, a move that has raised fresh doubts about the future of coordinated global climate efforts. To this, Nissan's Volpe remains unfazed. "These political decisions come and go. What matters is having a solid strategy that allows us to adapt," he said. "Formula E is still in a phase of significant growth. Not just for us, but for motorsport as a whole, and across all territories." Formula E now boasts a near 400 million international fan base and is expected to continue its upward trajectory. After completing the two-day race in Tokyo on May 17 and 18, the 11 Formula E teams will travel to four different cities to finish the season. Author: Kenji Yoshida
Winnipeg Free Press
5 hours ago
- Winnipeg Free Press
Yarbrough shines as Yankees avoid sweep with 7-3 win over Dodgers. Judge and Ohtani are hitless
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Ryan Yarbrough limited baseball's best offense to four hits over six innings, Ben Rice hit a tiebreaking two-run homer and the New York Yankees defeated the Los Angeles Dodgers 7-3 on Sunday to avoid getting swept for the first time this season. The Dodgers outscored the Yankees 26-7 in winning the first two games of their World Series rematch, including an 18-2 rout Saturday. But right-hander Yoshinobu Yamamoto, the stalwart on a staff ravaged by injuries, labored from the start in front of 54,031, the largest crowd of the season at Dodger Stadium. Yarbrough (3-0) allowed one run and struck out five in his fifth start of the year. He was a reliever for the Dodgers last season and received his World Series ring while in town. Yamamoto (6-4) gave up a season-high seven hits while striking out two in 3 2/3 innings, both season lows. The Japanese right-hander permitted four runs and walked three. New York's DJ LeMahieu had his first four-hit game since 2021. The Yankees led 1-0 on Jasson Domínguez's RBI single in the first. Left fielder Andy Pages' throw sailed over the head of catcher Will Smith. Backing up Smith, Yamamoto made a pinpoint throw to second, but Kiké Hernández dropped the ball and Domínguez was safe. Domínguez later left the game with a bruised left thumb. Tommy Edman tied the game with a two-out homer in the second. After that, Yarbrough retired 13 of his next 15 batters. Pages and Max Muncy homered in the seventh. The Yankees took a 4-1 lead in the third. Rice's 425-foot homer to center field scored Aaron Judge, who walked. Anthony Volpe singled, went to third on Austin Wells' single and scored on Yamamoto's wild pitch. They extended the lead to 6-1 in the fifth on RBI singles by LeMahieu and Oswald Peraza off Lou Trivino. LeMahieu's RBI double made it 7-3 in the ninth. Key moment Judge and Shohei Ohtani were hitless after becoming the first reigning MVPs in major league history to homer in the first inning of a game on Friday. Judge was 0 for 4 with a walk and two strikeouts as the only Yankees player to go hitless. Ohtani went 0 for 4 with a strikeout. Key stats The Yankees are 4-0 this season when facing a series sweep, having beaten Arizona, Detroit, Cleveland and the Dodgers. They're also one of three teams that hasn't been swept in a series of at least two games. … It was the first time this season the Dodgers' top four hitters went hitless: Ohtani, Teoscar Hernández, Freddie Freeman and Smith. Winnipeg Jets Game Days On Winnipeg Jets game days, hockey writers Mike McIntyre and Ken Wiebe send news, notes and quotes from the morning skate, as well as injury updates and lineup decisions. Arrives a few hours prior to puck drop. Up next After an off day, Yankees LHP Carlos Rodón (7-3, 2.60 ERA) starts Tuesday against Cleveland. Dodgers RHP Dustin May (3-4, 4.20) pitches Monday night against the New York Mets. ___ AP MLB:
Winnipeg Free Press
6 hours ago
- Winnipeg Free Press
Mariners slugger Cal Raleigh leads MLB in homers and is on pace to set a season record for catchers
SEATTLE (AP) — Just before Big Dumper put a thump into a soaring flyball, a smattering of 'MVP! MVP!' chants broke out from behind home plate Sunday. Given the way Cal Raleigh's season has started, perhaps the Mariners' catcher is wholly deserving of such high praise. With a solo shot during Seattle's latest victory, a 2-1 win over the Minnesota Twins, Raleigh upped his total to a major league-leading 23 home runs. 'He's having an excellent season, not only offensively but also defensively,' teammate Randy Arozarena said, with bench coach Manny Acta translating. 'What he's doing right now, it's great because he's carrying our offense pretty much.' That's no exaggeration on Arozarena's part. And what Raleigh is doing is also unprecedented. The 28-year-old backstop from North Carolina with the funny nickname became the first catcher in major league history to reach 20 home runs before the end of May. His 22 home runs entering June tied for the second-most in Mariners history behind only Ken Griffey Jr., who had 24 in 1997. 'He just continues to grow and mature in this game,' said Mariners manager Dan Wilson, a former catcher who was on that Seattle team in 1997. 'And the pace that he's on right now with home runs — and he's not just hitting home runs, he's still just hitting the ball hard. 'You add that to what he does behind the plate in a game like this — whew, he's a real special player and he's doing it all right now.' According to Baseball Savant, Raleigh ranks eighth among big league catchers in Fielding Run Value. He also has more home runs than Shohei Ohtani and Aaron Judge. So it's no wonder Raleigh has already been worth 3.3 Wins Above Replacement, per less than 60 games into the season for the AL West-leading Mariners. 'I just wish that he continues to stay healthy and (has) a very long career,' Seattle pitcher Luis Castillo said, with Acta translating. 'Because it's a lot of fun right now.' Salvador Perez of the Kansas City Royals holds the big league record for home runs in a season by a catcher with 48 in 2021. Raleigh is on pace for 64 this year, which would break the American League mark of 62 set by Judge in 2022. Thursdays Keep up to date on sports with Mike McIntyre's weekly newsletter. Sure, there's still a long way to go in 2025. But, awfully impressive for someone playing such a demanding and taxing position, where offense is often considered a luxury rather than a requirement. 'Sometimes it's not playing harder, it's playing smarter,' said Wilson, a major league catcher for 14 years. 'And he continues to play smart baseball whether it's behind the plate or at the bat. He's coming up huge for us all over the place.' ___ AP MLB:
