Imanaga Shines in Return as Cubs Blank Cardinals to Split Series
The Chicago Cubs wrapped up their four-game set in St. Louis on a high note Thursday, shutting out the Cardinals 3-0 and earning a series split thanks to a dominant performance from left-hander Shota Imanaga.
Making his first start in nearly two months after being sidelined with a left hamstring strain, Imanaga looked sharp in his return. He tossed five innings of one-hit baseball in his Busch Stadium debut, giving up just a first-inning single to Masyn Winn and striking out four. The lefty didn’t allow a run and lowered his ERA to an impressive 2.54.
Michael Busch provided the spark offensively for Chicago, launching a solo home run in the second inning off Andre Pallante. He later singled and scored again in the fourth, when Ian Happ drew a bases-loaded walk. Pete Crow-Armstrong added an insurance run in the eighth, crossing the plate on a double steal attempt.
On the mound, Cubs pitchers were nearly flawless. Imanaga was followed by a trio of relievers, with Daniel Palencia shutting the door in the ninth despite a shaky start to the inning. After allowing the first two batters to reach, Palencia struck out the side to lock down his eighth save in nine tries.
The Cardinals, meanwhile, were blanked for the second straight game — a first this season — and managed just three hits all day. Their best chance came early, but a heads-up play from Alec Burleson in right field erased a potential scoring opportunity. Burleson made a leaping catch to rob Seiya Suzuki of extra bases, then helped turn a double play to end the inning.
Hot at the Plate: Michael Busch is seeing the ball well lately — he’s batting .353 (12-for-34) over his last nine games.
What’s Next:
- The Cardinals hit the road to face the Guardians in Cleveland. Sonny Gray (7-2, 3.72 ERA) gets the ball Friday night against Luis Ortiz (4-8, 4.30).
- The Cubs head to Houston to open a three-game series against the Astros. Chicago has yet to announce a starter, but Houston will send Brandon Waler (0-1, 3.80 ERA) to the mound.