Yusei Kikuchi Continues to Struggle Against the Yankees
Blue Jays Pitcher Posts 5-4 Record and 3.38 ERA in 15 Appearances
Recent Outing Shows Promise Despite Seven Earned Runs
Yusei Kikuchi's struggles against the New York Yankees continued on Tuesday night, as he allowed seven runs in 5 1/3 innings pitched. The Blue Jays went on to lose the game 10-7, dropping Kikuchi's record against the Yankees to 5-4. Despite the struggles, Kikuchi did show some promise in his outing. He struck out seven batters and walked just two, and he induced two double plays. He also threw 97 pitches, his highest total of the season. "I felt like I was able to make some good pitches," Kikuchi said through an interpreter. "But I made a few mistakes, and they hit them hard." Kikuchi's outing was his first since he gave up six runs in 3 1/3 innings against the Yankees on April 17. He has now allowed 15 runs in 10 2/3 innings against the Yankees this season. "He's a good hitter, and he's got a good approach," Kikuchi said. "I think he's just seeing the ball well right now, and he's putting a good swing on it." Despite his struggles against the Yankees, Kikuchi has been solid overall for the Blue Jays this season. He is 6-4 with a 4.07 ERA in 12 starts, and he has struck out 62 batters in 63 1/3 innings pitched. The Blue Jays will need Kikuchi to continue to pitch well if they want to make a playoff run this season. The team is currently 37-35, and they are in a tight race for a wild-card spot. Kikuchi is scheduled to make his next start on Sunday against the Baltimore Orioles. He will be looking to rebound from his outing against the Yankees and continue to help the Blue Jays win games.
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