6 years agoSeattle Mariners starter Yusei Kikuchi escaped Monday's game versus the Athletics with a no-decision as he served up three solo home runs over six innings of work. He gave up just five hits on the evening while striking out five with a pair of free passes, but the long ball hurt him in this one. Kikuchi has an uninspiring 1.33 HR/9 on the year, but he's still managed to keep a 3.64 ERA and terrific 1.07 WHIP. The strikeouts haven't flourished like we expected preseason with 43 punchouts in 54.1 IP, but he's held his own in the majors so far. If he can dial back the round-trippers, his numbers will drastically improve, and we may get an ace-like pitcher the rest of the way. Look for Kikuchi to keep the Twins' bats in check on Sunday at T-Mobile Park.--Riley Mrack - RotoBaller
Source: MLB.com