The Tokyo Series was supposed to be a celebration of baseball’s global reach. Instead, it turned into a nightmare for the Chicago Cubs. The Cubs were swept in back-to-back losses, highlighting weaknesses in their lineup. Yet, in the midst of the team’s struggles, Justin Steele got a personal victory, a moment he called unforgettable. While Chicago’s trip to Tokyo ended in disappointment, Steele’s milestone provided a rare highlight in an otherwise frustrating series.
The Chicago Cubs struggled offensively throughout the series. They managed just one run in the opening game—a double by Miguel Amaya. In the second game, the team worked slightly better, scoring three runs. However, it was not enough to counter the Dodgers’ six-run onslaught. Vital stars, like, Dansby Swanson, Ian Happ, and Jon Berti helped, but their help fell short against the opponent’s robust offense.
Pitching inconsistencies further hampered the Chicago Cubs. In the first game, their starter Shota Imanaga provided four scoreless innings but received little run support. The bullpen could not manage the lead, enabling the Dodgers to capitalize. In the second game, Justin Steele played against a tough outing. He gave up five runs on five hits across four innings. Such issues highlight the need for the team to address offensive and pitching approaches to compete effectively.
Despite the team’s struggles, Justin Steele achieved a personal milestone by recording his 5100th career strikeout. Reflecting on this achievement, the ace expressed his gratitude by saying, “It is awesome. It is something a lot of people can not really say they have done. I do not know how many countries I have pitched in now, but it is got to be getting up there“. The star added, “To get my 500th career strikeout here in Tokyo, it is just something I will never forget. It will be something I will tell my kids and grandkids about“.
“To get my 500th career strikeout here in Tokyo is just something I’ll never forget.”
Justin Steele reflects on his start today and his time in Tokyo. pic.twitter.com/CxdRDFkBHf
— Marquee Sports Network (@WatchMarquee) March 19, 2025
His 2024 season highlighted his power, with a 3.07 ERA over 134.2 innings, 135 strikeouts, and 11 quality starts in 24 appearances. In addition, Justin Steele‘s performance against AL opponents was specifically impressive. He posted a 0.81 ERA with 44 strikeouts over 44.1 innings. Such a milestone in Tokyo not only highlights Steele’s individual growth but also acts as an inspiration for the team amidst their lineup issues.
The Chicago Cubs’ loss sparks controversy over officiating.
The Chicago Cubs’ sweep in Tokyo was not just related to missed scopes—it also fueled a growing controversy. Multiple fans think MLB’s officiating favored the Dodgers. This came after a vital missed strike call against Kiké Hernández in the second game. The team’s pitcher Ben Brown had Hernández struck out with a pitch that clearly painted the corner. However, the umpire called it a ball. Moments later, the Dodgers ace launched a home run that transformed the momentum totally. Given the Dodgers’ international appeal and the league’s heavy promotion of them in the city, fans were quick to suspect bias.
This is not the first time the league has faced accusations of favoritism. At the period of the 2017 World Series, pitchers claimed the baseballs were “juiced” to benefit hitters. This situation fueled suspicions that MLB was affecting game outcomes. Another instance of fans’ angry reaction came after the MLB The Show 25’s ratings. Fans argued that the show overrated the Dodgers stars. While there is no concrete proof of wrongdoing, the recurring nature of such suspicions keeps the debate alive. The Cubs’ loss could have been official, however, for fans, it only reinforced a long-standing belief.
While the Cubs faced setbacks in the Tokyo Series, Justin Steele’s personal achievement provides a beacon of hope. As the season comes, the team can draw inspiration from such milestones to enhance and strive for better outcomes. Fans are encouraged to continue helping the Cubs, identifying that individual successes help to the collective resilience and future triumphs of the team.
The post “Means the World to Me” – Cubs’ $6.55M Ace Finds Silver Lining in Tokyo Series Despite Team’s Heartbreak appeared first on EssentiallySports.