Shota Imanaga returns to dominate the Cardinals in a 3-0 Cubs win on June 26, 2025. See how Imanaga's 5 shutout innings & a Busch HR secured the victory.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
Welcome back, Shota. In a performance that felt like a collective exhale for Cubs fans everywhere, Shota Imanaga returned from the injured list and didn't miss a beat, twirling five masterful shutout innings to lead the Cubs to a crucial 3-0 victory over the St. Louis Cardinals. The win at Busch Stadium not only silenced the rival crowd but also secured a hard-fought series split, powered by a stellar bullpen and timely hitting.
Five innings, one hit, zero runs. Shota Imanaga's return to the mound was a masterclass in efficiency and control, lowering his season ERA to a sparkling 2.54.
All eyes were on Shota Imanaga, and he delivered in a massive way. Making his first start off the injured list, the lefty showed no signs of rust, carving up the Cardinals lineup for five innings of one-hit ball. He struck out three, walked only one, and needed just 77 pitches to get the job done. Manager Craig Counsell praised his poise and command, and for good reason. His return provides a desperately needed anchor for a rotation that has been tested by injuries, and his season ERA now sits at a pristine 2.54.
While Imanaga set the tone, the offense and bullpen ensured his effort wouldn't go to waste. First baseman Michael Busch provided the initial spark, launching a 109.6 mph solo home run in the second inning for his 13th of the year. The Cubs manufactured two more runs via an Ian Happ bases-loaded walk and a savvy rundown play involving Dansby Swanson that allowed Pete Crow-Armstrong to score. After Imanaga's exit, the bullpen was lights-out. Brad Keller, Ryan Pressly, and Hector Neris combined for four scoreless frames, punctuated by a spectacular sliding catch from Crow-Armstrong in the seventh that had a mere 40% catch probability.
Beyond the headliners, key contributors continue to step up. Catcher Carson Kelly, one of the team's best offseason signings, stayed hot with another two-hit performance. His consistent production has been invaluable. Looking beyond the current roster, the future remains incredibly bright. The Cubs' farm system is still ranked among the best in baseball, boasting seven players in MLB's Top 100 prospects. Farm director Jason Kanzler highlighted the depth at the upper levels, giving the front office tremendous flexibility with internal promotions or potential trade deadline acquisitions.
With a series split against their arch-rivals in the books and their ace back on the mound, the Cubs head into their next series with renewed confidence. Imanaga's return stabilizes the rotation, the bullpen is firing on all cylinders, and the offense is finding ways to score. As the trade deadline approaches, a deep farm system gives the front office options, but for now, this team proved it has the pieces to compete. All eyes will be on maintaining this momentum as the summer heats up.
