Edward Cabrera pounded his glove and shouted after striking out Gabriel Arias in the fifth inning on Sunday. The Cubs’ starter preserved his no-hitter in that moment, continuing his strong opening statement as the newest member of Chicago’s rotation.
Cabrera did not factor into the final decision, but his effort set the tone for a 1-0 victory over the Guardians in Game 1 of Sunday’s doubleheader at Progressive Field. Cabrera locked horns with Cleveland’s Slade Cecconi and helped the North Siders to a combined one-hit shutout on a difficult afternoon to generate offense for both clubs.
That set the Cubs up to be able to walk away with a split of the twin bill, following a 6-5 loss in the nightcap.
Amaya Praises Cabrera’s Impact
Cubs catcher Miguel Amaya commented on Cabrera’s impact. Amaya stated that everyone has seen Cabrera pitch, adding that his season last year was very solid.
Amaya said that bringing Cabrera to the team is pretty helpful. According to Amaya, Cabrera feels like he’s the best when he’s up there and that’s how he looks.
Cabrera’s Performance Against the Guardians
Cabrera followed his Cubs debut with another solid performance against the Guardians after spinning six scoreless innings on Monday. The big right-hander worked into the sixth inning, limiting Cleveland’s lineup to one hit. He also sidestepped the potential harm of five walks issued.
Through two outings, Cabrera has allowed just two hits to the 41 batters he has faced. He has nine strikeouts over 11 2/3 innings in that span.
Cabrera said he wants to thank God for the two outings that he’s had.
Imanaga’s Impression of Cabrera
Lefty Shota Imanaga has been impressed by Cabrera so far. Imanaga limited Cleveland to one run in five-plus innings in Game 2.
Imanaga said that as a starter, you want to keep the team in the game. He added that Cabrera is able to dominate, and he thinks there’s a lot to learn from him, saying he wants to be able to do what he’s doing and dominate the hitters.
Guardians’ Only Hit
The Guardians’ lone breakthrough against Cabrera came in the sixth inning. CJ Kayfus led off by pulling a Cabrera curveball high over right field.
Cubs right fielder Michael Conforto initially took a couple steps in before sprinting back, as a strong wind helped carry the ball to the warning track for a leadoff double. That wound up being the only hit by Cleveland against Cabrera and relievers Caleb Thielbar, Hoby Milner and Daniel Palencia.
- It marked the 25th one-hit shutout in a 1-0 win for the Cubs on record.
- It was the first since May 29, 2023.
Cubs outfielder Ian Happ said Cabrera’s stuff’s so good and they knew that. Happ added that Miggy did a great job behind the plate with what he was able to do, noting the pitch mix is so, so good, and when he’s around the strike zone, it’s diabolical, concluding it was awesome to play behind him and watch that.
Following a sacrifice bunt from Steven Kwan to move Kayfus to third base, Cabrera induced a chopper off the bat of Chase DeLauter.