Shota Imanaga was dealing.
The Chicago Cubs left-hander threw six no-hit innings with nine strikeouts, one walk, and 100 pitches of absolute dominance. This wasn't just good pitching - this was ace-level stuff.
From the first pitch, Imanaga had his opponent completely off-balance. His command was surgical. His stuff was electric. His composure was that of a pitcher who's been doing this for years.
And technically, he has - just not in America.
Imanaga came over from Japan with expectations, and he's exceeding every single one. This is what the Cubs envisioned when they signed him. This is why they invested in him. Because nights like this - when he carves through a lineup like a hot knife through butter - remind everyone what elite pitching looks like.
Six innings. Zero hits. Nine strikeouts.
He attacked hitters with confidence. He trusted his stuff. He worked efficiently - 100 pitches through six innings means he was battling, making pitches when he needed to, and finishing batters off.
The Cubs bullpen would take it from there, but Imanaga did the heavy lifting. He gave his team exactly what they needed - a dominant performance that set the tone and shut down the opposition.
What makes Imanaga so fun to watch is his competitive fire. He doesn't just throw strikes - he challenges hitters. He dares them to beat him. And tonight, nobody could.
Cubs fans have to be thrilled with what they're seeing. This isn't a flash in the pan. This isn't beginner's luck. This is a bonafide starting pitcher who can anchor a rotation and give you a chance to win every time he takes the mound.
Six no-hit innings won't go down in the record books as a no-hitter - he didn't finish the game - but it doesn't matter. What matters is the statement: Shota Imanaga is for real.
And if he keeps pitching like this? The Cubs are going to be a for a long time.
