Shota Imanaga’s impressive performance for the Chicago Cubs was cut short after six no-hit innings against the Pittsburgh Pirates. Cubs manager Craig Counsell opted to pull Imanaga, whose pitch count had reached 100. The Cubs then suffered a 2-0 defeat at the hands of the Pirates.
Imanaga’s Dominant Performance
Imanaga’s final pitch of the game was a fastball. He gave a confident nod as he headed back to the dugout, having held the Pirates hitless through six innings. Imanaga had nine strikeouts and only one walk issued during his outing.
According to Imanaga, pulling him was the right decision. Counsell said there was danger in making it a 120-pitch outing on his third start of the year, making it an easy decision to pull him.
Pirates Break the No-Hitter
In the seventh inning, Caleb Thielbar took over pitching duties for Imanaga. Ryan O’Hearn hit a leadoff single, ending the no-hit bid. Bryan Reynolds then followed with a first-pitch, two-run homer.
Cubs Offensive Struggles
Despite Imanaga’s strong showing, the Cubs’ offence struggled to convert opportunities. The Cubs had at least one baserunner aboard in seven innings. They worked seven walks and only struck out six times. They loaded the bases twice and had eight at-bats overall with runners in scoring position, but recorded no hits in those spots.
Counsell noted the frustration of the Cubs not scoring despite doing a lot of things right. Chicago had eight hard-hit balls in play, with four resulting in a hit.
Imanaga has a 2.81 ERA three starts into the season.