Chicago Cubs rookie pitcher Shota Imanaga continues to impress in his first Major League Baseball season. On Wednesday, he delivered a dazzling performance, pitching seven no-hit innings in a dominant 12-0 victory over the Pittsburgh Pirates. Despite his strong showing, Imanaga was not given the opportunity to complete the no-hitter.
The Chicago Cubs achieved a significant milestone at Wrigley Field, throwing their first no-hitter in 52 years, defeating the Pittsburgh Pirates 12-0.
Key performances came from rookie pitcher Shota Imanaga, along with solid… https://t.co/wBrY4bIfXe
— QWIKET MLB (@qwiket_mlb) September 5, 2024
Cubs manager Craig Counsell decided to pull Imanaga after seven innings and 96 pitches, opting to preserve his arm for future games. Following his departure, Cubs relievers Nate Pearson and Porter Hodge maintained the no-hitter with perfect innings in the eighth and ninth, securing the first combined no-hitter at Wrigley Field since 1972.
On the night, Imanaga was in complete control, allowing no hits or runs and issuing just two walks while striking out seven batters. He threw 66 of his 95 pitches for strikes, lowering his season ERA to an impressive 2.99 and his WHIP to 1.02 over 153 1/3 innings pitched. This performance highlights Imanaga’s consistency and control on the mound throughout his debut season.
The Cubs’ offense also provided ample support, racking up 17 hits, including three home runs, and scoring 12 runs. With this win, the Cubs improved their record to 72-68, putting them 4.5 games behind the Atlanta Braves for the final National League wild-card spot.
Imanaga has been a standout since joining the Cubs from Japan earlier this year. The team signed him to a four-year, $53 million contract in January, a deal that already seems like a steal given his outstanding performances. Imanaga made an immediate impact, striking out nine Colorado Rockies in six shutout innings during his MLB debut in April. He flirted with a no-hitter in that game, which was broken up in the sixth inning. By mid-May, he had an ERA of just 0.84, the lowest in MLB history through a pitcher’s first nine career starts.
The Pittsburgh Pirates faced a significant defeat against the Chicago Cubs, losing 12-0 and enduring a no-hitter. Cubs rookie Shota Imanaga excelled on the mound, while Pete Crow-Armstrong and Dansby Swanson displayed offensive… https://t.co/L3GYGgxBQ8
— MLB Digest (@mlbpressdigest) September 5, 2024
His early success earned him a spot on the All-Star team in July, and Wednesday’s outing was arguably the best of his young career. The no-hitter against the Pirates marks the fourth no-hitter of the MLB season and the first achieved through a combined effort. Other pitchers who have thrown no-hitters this season include Ronel Blanco of the Astros, Dylan Cease of the Padres, and Blake Snell of the Giants. Interestingly, Blanco was also pulled from a game earlier this season after seven no-hit innings, showing a cautious approach by managers when handling pitchers in these rare and high-stress situations.
Key Points:
i. Shota Imanaga pitched seven no-hit innings in the Cubs’ 12-0 win over the Pirates.
ii. Cubs manager Craig Counsell removed Imanaga after 96 pitches, preserving his arm.
iii. Relievers Nate Pearson and Porter Hodge completed the combined no-hitter.
iv. The game marked the first combined no-hitter at Wrigley Field since 1972.
v. Imanaga’s season has been exceptional, with a 2.99 ERA and a spot on the All-Star team.
TL Holcomb – Reprinted with permission of Whatfinger News
