Yusei Kikuchi reaches 990 strikeouts, ranking fifth among Japanese pitchers in MLB; changes strategy to deliver a strong seven-inning outing after a long time.

The 34-year-old lefty from Japan, Yusei Kikuchi, pitched 7 innings against the Reds today, giving up 7 hits and only 1 run. The Angels managed to score the decisive run in the bottom of the eighth inning, ultimately winning 2-1. Although Kikuchi received no decision, his career strikeout total reached 990, overtaking Hiroki Kuroda and climbing to fifth on the all-time MLB Japanese pitchers strikeout list.

In the top of the third inning, Kikuchi gave up a double to the Reds’ leadoff hitter Ke’Bryan Hayes. Despite striking out the next two batters in a row, he then allowed a timely hit by Noelvi Marte, which put the Reds ahead 1-0.

In the bottom of the fourth, Yoan Moncada of the Angels hit a solo home run to tie the game. Later, in the bottom of the eighth, Luis Rengifo capitalized on a runners-on-base opportunity with a hit that brought in the second run, securing the Angels’ one-run victory.

Kikuchi finished his outing after throwing 88 pitches over 7 innings, allowing 7 hits, striking out 4, issuing no walks, and giving up just 1 run, lowering his ERA to 3.42. His career total of 990 strikeouts in MLB surpassed Hiroki Kuroda’s 986, placing him fifth among Japanese pitchers. Masahiro Tanaka, ranked fourth, has 991 strikeouts, and Kikuchi is expected to surpass him in his next start.

In his last nine starts, Kikuchi has failed to pitch a full six innings eight times, with his last complete seven-inning game occurring on June 26. After the game, he mentioned that he changed his pitching approach by controlling his fastball on both edges of the strike zone and slowing down his slider while increasing its movement, making it look more like a slider. He said, “There will be more data, and other teams will adjust accordingly. It’s like an ongoing chess game where I have to constantly observe and adapt.”