Imanaga, Cubs Relievers Combine for No-Hitter in 12-0 Rout Over Pirates
The Chicago Cubs delivered a historic performance on Wednesday night as Shota Imanaga, along with two relievers, combined for a no-hitter in a commanding 12-0 victory over the Pittsburgh Pirates. This marks the Cubs’ 18th no-hitter in franchise history and their first since 2021.
Imanaga’s Mastery on the Mound
Shota Imanaga (12-3), the 31-year-old left-hander from Japan, showcased his pitching prowess in his debut MLB season. Over seven dominant innings, Imanaga struck out seven batters and issued only two walks. He threw 66 of his 95 pitches for strikes, demonstrating pinpoint control. Although he faced a challenging second inning, where he needed 25 pitches to retire the side, Imanaga remained unfazed and continued to cruise through the Pirates’ lineup.
This no-hitter adds another milestone to Imanaga’s impressive career, which began with an eight-season tenure in Japan before signing a $53 million, four-year contract with the Cubs in January. The Cubs also paid a nearly $10 million posting fee to the Yokohama BayStars, his former team in Japan’s Central League.
Relievers Seal the Deal
Following Imanaga’s departure, Nate Pearson took over in the eighth inning and delivered a perfect 1-2-3 inning. Porter Hodge then closed the game in the ninth, retiring the Pirates in order to secure the no-hitter. The Cubs’ defense was flawless, with the final out coming on a grounder to shortstop Dansby Swanson, who threw to first baseman Michael Busch.
This no-hitter was the Cubs’ first at Wrigley Field since Milt Pappas’ near-perfect game against the San Diego Padres on September 2, 1972. The achievement is even more notable considering it is the fourth no-hitter of the 2024 MLB season.
Offensive Explosion
The Cubs’ bats were equally impressive, tallying 17 hits in the game. Nico Hoerner, Pete Crow-Armstrong, and Dansby Swanson led the charge, each collecting three hits. Swanson and Crow-Armstrong both fell just a triple short of hitting for the cycle. The Cubs wasted no time getting on the board, with Seiya Suzuki driving in the first run in the opening inning. They continued to pile on the runs, including a two-run homer from Swanson and a solo shot by Crow-Armstrong in the third inning. Cody Bellinger later added a two-run homer in the sixth.
Pirates Struggle on the Mound
Pirates starter Domingo Germán, who threw a perfect game last year for the New York Yankees, struggled mightily in this outing. Germán (0-1) allowed seven runs—six earned—on nine hits over three innings, putting the Pirates in an early hole they could not climb out of.
Injury Updates
The Pirates scratched outfielder Andrew McCutchen from the lineup due to a knee issue, while the Cubs placed left-hander Justin Steele (elbow tendinitis) and right-hander Jorge López (strained right groin) on the 15-day injured list.
Looking Ahead
The Pirates will head back home to face the Washington Nationals on Thursday, with left-hander Bailey Falter (6-7, 4.41 ERA) set to start. The Cubs will open a home series against the New York Yankees on Friday, with right-hander Javier Assad (7-4, 3.21 ERA) scheduled to take the mound against Yankees’ right-hander Luis Gil (12-6).
This no-hitter, coupled with a powerful offensive display, underscores the Cubs’ potential as they continue to push for a strong finish to the season.
