Imanaga's Shutdown: Cubs Win 7-4

0:00On April 22nd, Cubs snag a 7-4 win over the Phillies that wriggly field, powered by Shota Imanaga's second straight shutdown against that. Line up? The lefty wins seven strong innings, allowing just three hits, one walk and a solo homer to Kyle Schorber while piling up weak contact all night. Earlier this week in Philly, Imanaga fanned 11 with 26 whiffs, mixing four seamers and splitters evenly. This time, he cranked at the fastball to 51% of his 87 pitches, dialed back the splitter and kept runners from advancing past, second. Cubs batter stranded plenty early against Philly's starter, Jesus Luzardo, but broke loose late. Pinch hitter Moises Balistheros drew a basses-loaded walk in the fifth. Michael Bush added a two run single in the sixth, and then Nico Herner and Sayas Suzuki crushed solo and two run homers in the seventh. Bryce Harper tagged a two run shot-off reliever Riley Martin in the eighth, but Chicago held firm for the victory.

1:01Imanaga's season line now sits at a sharp 2.17 ERA over five starts, with 32 strikeouts, six walks and only 15 hits in, 29 innings. That adaptability from Imanaga keeps the Cubs rolling early, setting up a tough row test ahead as they chase momentum in the division. From around the league, powered by AI, this is MLB News Today. I'm Corey with the story.