Shōta Imanaga Shines as Cubs Crush Phillies 11-2; Hoerner Tallies Five RBIs

Shōta Imanaga allowed an early home run, then dominated the rest of his start. He struck out 11 batters in six innings.

Imanaga’s masterful outing

Imanaga yielded Trea Turner’s second-pitch homer, then retired most batters he faced. He permitted two other hits and one walk through six innings.

He recorded 11 strikeouts and generated 26 swings-and-misses. That mark is the highest for any pitcher in MLB this year.

Imanaga threw 97 pitches, 67 for strikes. He struck out Kyle Schwarber three times.

On the season he has 22 innings, 31 strikeouts, two home runs allowed and five walks.

Cubs offense erupts

Chicago totaled 15 hits and two homers in the win. The offense produced an 11-2 final score and took the Philadelphia series.

The team broke through in the third inning. Matt Shaw doubled, then scored on a Nico Hoerner single.

Hoerner and Shaw lead the charge

Nico Hoerner drove in five runs and collected three hits. His fifth-RBI game is a rare feat for a Cubs leadoff batter.

Shaw recorded three doubles, including a two-run double in the sixth. His third double opened a big inning for Chicago.

Hoerner also hit a long ball earlier, his second of the season. Dansby Swanson added a solo homer in the seventh.

Relief, defense and closing notes

Ben Brown handled the seventh and eighth innings, retiring six batters on 17 pitches. His work eased pressure on the bullpen.

Luke Little closed and surrendered a solo homer to Bryce Harper in the ninth. He threw 12 strikes in 17 pitches and issued no walks.

Alex Bregman and Pete Crow-Armstrong made notable defensive plays. The defense supported strong pitching across the game.

Context and what comes next

The Cubs improved to 9-9 and sit at .500. The league continues to show widespread parity early this season.

Chicago enjoyed its fourth straight game with double-digit hits. That streak did not occur at all last season.

After an off day, the Cubs open a weekend series against the New York Mets. Edward Cabrera is scheduled to start for the Cubs.

Kodai Senga will start for the Mets on Friday at 1:20 p.m. CT. Television coverage is on Marquee Sports Network.

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