With another dominant pitching performance against the Pittsburgh Pirates on Saturday afternoon, Chicago Cubs rookie Shota Imanaga made baseball history by starting his first nine games.
According to Sara Langs of MLB.com:
Shota Imanaga’s ERA of 0.84 is the lowest of any pitcher who started his career nine consecutive years since he was an official player in both leagues (1913). [excluding openers]
Only others less than 1.00: 1981 Fernando Valenzuela, 0.91
Shota Imanaga’s ERA of 0.84 is the lowest of any pitcher who started his career nine consecutive years since he was an official player in both leagues (1913). [excluding openers]
Only others less than 1.00: 1981 Fernando Valenzuela, 0.91 https://t.co/HftudO40cm
— Sarah Langs (@SlangsOnSports) May 18, 2024
The Japanese left-hander pitched 7.0 scoreless innings against his district rival, giving up just four hits and one walk, with seven strikeouts.
Much of the offseason discussion centered on the team potentially signing Blake Snell or Jordan Montgomery, but Imanaga would prove to be the best deal of them all.
As of this post, the score is 0-0 after the 8th inning, so Imanaga will not factor into the decision of this game.
He currently has struck out 58 batters in 53.2 innings, giving him a 0.91 WHIP. The Cubs are 5-0 this season and are looking to challenge the Milwaukee Brewers for first place in the National League Central Division.
The Cubs and Pirates will face off again on Sunday afternoon with a ceremonial first pitch at 2:20 p.m. ET. Mitch Keller (4-3, 3.93 ERA) will pitch for Pittsburgh, while Jameson Taillon will pitch for the Cubs. Since his return from the disabled list, he is 3-1 with a 1.61 ERA.
Imanaga’s next start could be next Thursday against the Atlanta Braves or next Friday against the St. Louis Cardinals.
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