In an unforgettable game at Wrigley Field, the Chicago Cubs made history by pitching a combined no-hitter against the Pittsburgh Pirates in a 12-0 victory. Led by starter Shota Imanaga, this no-hitter marks the 18th in the Cubs’ franchise history and highlights their continued dominance on the mound.
Shota Imanaga, a 31-year-old MLB rookie who had an impressive career in Japan before joining the Cubs, pitched seven hitless innings, throwing 95 pitches. With his stellar performance, Imanaga kept the Pirates at bay before being substituted to preserve his arm. Nate Pearson took over in the eighth inning, maintaining the no-hitter, while Porter Hodge closed out the game in the ninth, securing the historic win.
This combined no-hitter is only the second in Cubs’ history, following the one in 2021 when Zach Davies, Ryan Tepera, Andrew Chafin, and Craig Kimbrel combined to shut down the Los Angeles Dodgers. The Cubs have had a strong history of no-hitters in recent years, recording five in the past 16 years, including two from Jake Arrieta in 2015 and 2016, and Alec Mills’ no-hitter in 2020.
Imanaga’s journey to MLB has been nothing short of impressive. Since joining the Cubs, he has been a key player with a 12-3 record and a 2.99 ERA over 26 starts this season. His exceptional form earned him a spot in the All-Star team, and his performance against the Pirates only solidified his reputation as a top pitcher in the league.
For Cubs fans, this game is even more special as it marks the first no-hitter at Wrigley Field since 1972, when Milt Pappas achieved the feat. Over the years, the Cubs have built a strong tradition of no-hitters, including Carlos Zambrano’s in 2008, which ended a 36-year drought for the team.
The Cubs’ pitching staff has been a cornerstone of their success in recent seasons, and this no-hitter is a testament to their teamwork and depth. With pitchers like Imanaga, Pearson, and Hodge combining for such a dominant performance, the future looks bright for Chicago’s beloved team.
This combined no-hitter not only highlights the skill of the Cubs’ pitching rotation but also strengthens the team’s standing in the league. As the Cubs push for postseason success, performances like this will be crucial in maintaining their momentum and giving fans even more reasons to cheer.
With Shota Imanaga leading the charge and a solid bullpen behind him, the Cubs have shown they can make history while keeping their eyes on the bigger prize.
