Seiya Suzuki discusses his three-run home run in the 1st, resting during the All-Star break and more following the Cubs' 4-1 victory

Seiya Suzuki had a wild ride in the first half of the season. Despite being overlooked for the All-Star game, he was unquestionably one of the better players in baseball in the first half. Runs batted in aren’t necessarily a terrific stat as it can be heavily tied to the results and performance of other players.

But the Cubs now have company in first place, as the Milwaukee Brewers have won ten straight games and have tied Chicago's 59-40 record. The Cubs will try to maintain their hold on the division when they take on Bobby Witt Jr.

Fresh off an all-star snub and rejected Home Run Derby invitation, Seiya Suzuki was rested and ready to go when the second half began Friday at Wrigley Field. Suzuki's 3-run, first-inning home run on

BOTTOM LINE: The Chicago Cubs host the Kansas City Royals to begin a three-game series. Chicago has a 59-40 record overall and a 32-17 record in home games. The Cubs are third in MLB play with 148 total home runs, averaging 1.5 per game.

After propelling the Cubs to a win vs. Red Sox, Seiya Suzuki explained why he chose not to participate in Home Run Derby

Chicago Cubs star slugger Seiya Suzuki won't competing in Atlanta during the Midsummer Classic. It's crazy that's even a statement being uttered based on what h