The Latest Breaking News from Seiya Suzuki

Heading into Game 3, the expectation among voters was that the Bulls would take advantage of Khris Middleton’s absence and advance.

CHICAGO — Of the three players who had the most substantial impact on the Pirates’ 4-2 victory over the Cubs at Wrigley Field on Friday night, Michael Chavis would be considered the elder statesman, at least in terms of Pittsburgh tenure.

The hot-hitting Suzuki went 0-for-4 with three strikeouts to end his streak of reaching safely in his first 12 games. The Cubs (6-7) lost their third straight game to fall under .500 for the first time this season.

Suzuki enters play Monday leading the team in home runs RBI, walks, on-base percentage and slugging percentage.

PITTSBURGH — Former red-bearded Pirate Colin Moran made a habit of homering in home openers, doing so in three straight seasons from 2018-2020. Perhaps the current red-bearded Pirate, outfielder Ben Gamel, can claim the next day as his.

PITTSBURGH — It would have been hard to script a better day for the return of baseball on the North Shore. Clear skies and a temperature of 66 degrees at game-time. An announced attendance of 34,418 that was both bigger than expected and enough to generate some legitimate buzz in…

Smyly made his Cubs debut Tuesday in Pittsburgh.

CHICAGO — When Marcus Stroman strolled out to the Chicago Cubs bullpen 40 minutes before Sunday’s game against the Milwaukee Brewers, he raised his arms over his head and exhorted fans to start cheering early.

Stroman allowed one run in five innings in his Cubs debut, and Suzuki hit his first big-league home run.

CHICAGO — The rivalry between the Chicago Cubs and Milwaukee Brewers has been heated over the last seven years, thanks to the proximity of the cities, the fact both teams were usually contenders for the National League Central title and the presence of Willson Contreras.

CHICAGO — Kyle Hendricks wanted to set the tone with his opening-day start.