MLB: Blue Jays’ Kikuchi allows 3 homers, takes loss against O’s

Toronto Blue Jays starting pitcher Yusei Kikuchi, of Japan, throws during the first inning of a baseball game against the Baltimore Orioles, on Aug. 8, 2022, in Baltimore. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)

BALTIMORE, Maryland (Kyodo) — Yusei Kikuchi surrendered three home runs and was charged with his sixth loss Monday for the Toronto Blue Jays, who were beaten 7-4 by the Baltimore Orioles.

Kikuchi (4-6) lasted five-plus innings at Oriole Park, giving up five runs on six hits and three walks, while striking out four.

The Japanese southpaw struggled early in his third start since being activated from the injured list, walking two batters before allowing a three-run homer to Ramon Urias with two out in the first.

He gave up two solo homers in the bottom of the third and was removed by Toronto interim manager John Schneider after issuing a walk to lead off the sixth.

“I felt good in the bullpen, but I unfortunately tensed up and allowed (Urias) to connect on a fat pitch with runners on base before I could get into a rhythm,” Kikuchi said.

“The Orioles have a lot of strong right-handed hitters. I wasn’t able to get foul balls and I allowed home runs by locating my pitches a little too conveniently.”

The 31-year-old former Seibu Lions ace went on the 15-day IL with a neck strain in early July after struggling on the hill. He picked up his first win in nearly a month in his comeback start on July 28.

At Wrigley Field, Seiya Suzuki went 1-for-3 with an RBI and a run scored for the Chicago Cubs, who beat the Washington Nationals 6-3.

Suzuki singled in the sixth and drove in a run with a sacrifice fly in the seventh, giving the Cubs a 6-1 lead.

Shohei Ohtani sat out his first game in roughly two months, skipping the Los Angeles Angels’ 1-0 win over the Oakland Athletics on the eve of his next scheduled pitching start.

Ohtani had treatment on his left foot after colliding with an opposing player Sunday in Seattle, but Angels manager Phil Nevin said the absence was just to ensure enough rest for the two-way star, who showed no sign he is hampered by the issue during a bullpen session.