After giving up a two-run homer in the first inning, Yusei Kikuchi settled in nicely during his Houston Astros debut on Friday night.

The former Toronto Blue Jay bounced back and pitched 4.2 scoreless innings after that first frame, quieting the Tamp Bay Rays lineup in the wake of the Dylan Carlson round-tripper.

Kikuchi ended the evening with a complete stat line of 5.2 innings pitched, two earned runs, 11 strikeouts and three walks.

The veteran left-hander was especially dialled in from the third to the fifth inning, punching out eight straight batters across those three innings.

Kikuchi exited with the game tied at 2-2.

Kikuchi was dealt to Houston on Tuesday before the trade deadline in a deal that sent right-hander Jake Bloss, outfielder Joey Loperfido and infield prospect Will Wagner to Toronto.

The Astros started the season slowly going 12-24 out of the gates, but have since turned it up and held a 56-52 record going into Friday’s action. They currently sit in first place in the AL West division.

Houston Astros pitcher Yusei Kikuchi made quite the impression in his debut game, rebounding from an early home run to record an impressive 11 strikeouts. The left-handed pitcher, who was acquired by the Astros in a trade with the Seattle Mariners, showed off his talent and resilience on the mound.

Kikuchi got off to a rocky start in the game, giving up a home run in the first inning. However, he quickly settled in and found his rhythm, striking out batters left and right with his arsenal of pitches. His fastball was electric, reaching speeds of up to 97 mph, and his slider had batters swinging and missing all night.

Despite the early setback, Kikuchi remained composed and focused, showcasing his mental toughness and ability to bounce back from adversity. His performance was a testament to his skill and determination, earning him the respect of his teammates and fans alike.

Kikuchi’s 11 strikeouts in his debut game were a promising sign for the Astros, who are hoping he can be a valuable asset in their pitching rotation. With his impressive debut, Kikuchi has proven that he has what it takes to compete at the highest level and make a significant impact for his new team.

Overall, Kikuchi’s debut was a memorable one, showcasing his talent, resilience, and potential as a top-tier pitcher in the MLB. Astros fans have every reason to be excited about what the future holds for Yusei Kikuchi and his contributions to the team.