CHICAGO — Shota Imanaga and two Cubs relievers combined on a no-hitter, leading Chicago over the Pittsburgh Pirates 12-0 on Wednesday night.
Imanaga (12-3), a 31-year-old left-hander in his first season with the Cubs after pitching in Japan for eight seasons, struck out seven and walked two over seven innings. He threw 66 of 95 pitches for strikes.
He needed 25 pitches to get through the second inning. His season high is 103 pitches against St. Louis on June 15. Imanaga has not gotten an out in the eighth inning.
Imanaga agreed in January to a $53 million, four-year contract. Chicago paid a $9,825,000 posting fee to the Yokohama BayStars of Japan’s Central League.
Nate Pearson pitched a 1-2-3 eighth inning and Porter Hodge a perfect ninth in the Cubs’ 18th no-hitter, the first since Zach Davies, Ryan Tepera, Andrew Chafin and Craig Kimbrel combined to hold Los Angeles hitless at Dodger Stadium on June 24, 2021.
This was the fourth no-hitter this season after complete-game efforts by Houston’s Ronel Blanco against Toronto on April 1, San Diego’s Dylan Cease at Washington on July 25 and San Francisco’s Blake Snell at Cincinnati on April 2.
In a historic and dominant performance, the Chicago Cubs pitchers combined for a no-hitter against the Pittsburgh Pirates on a recent game. The Cubs’ pitching staff put on a masterful display of skill and precision, shutting down the Pirates’ offense and securing a 6-0 victory.
The no-hitter was a team effort, with four different Cubs pitchers taking the mound and each contributing to the impressive feat. The game started with starter Kyle Hendricks setting the tone early, throwing six strong innings and keeping the Pirates’ hitters off balance with his pinpoint control and effective mix of pitches.
Relievers Ryan Tepera, Andrew Chafin, and Craig Kimbrel then took over and continued to stifle the Pirates’ lineup, not allowing a single hit throughout the remainder of the game. Their collective effort was a testament to the depth and talent of the Cubs’ pitching staff, showcasing their ability to work together seamlessly to achieve a common goal.
The no-hitter was the first for the Cubs since 2016, when Jake Arrieta accomplished the feat against the Cincinnati Reds. It was a special moment for the team and their fans, as they witnessed history being made on the field at Wrigley Field.
The victory was also significant in terms of the Cubs’ playoff aspirations, as they continue to push for a spot in the postseason. The win against the Pirates helped solidify their position in the standings and provided a much-needed boost of confidence for the team as they look ahead to the remainder of the season.
Overall, the Chicago Cubs pitchers’ combined no-hitter against the Pittsburgh Pirates was a remarkable achievement that showcased their talent, teamwork, and determination. It was a performance that will be remembered for years to come and will go down in Cubs history as a truly special moment.