New Low: Shota Imanaga, Two Cubs Relievers Combine to No-Hit Pirates

A scoring change in the top of the first inning paved the way to Shota Imanaga and the Chicago Cubs making history in a resounding 12-0 win at Wrigley Field on Wednesday. 

Bryan Reynolds was initially credited with an infield single with one out, but the ruling was later changed to an error by third baseman Isaac Paredes.  It was as close as the Pirates would get to a hit all night against Imanaga. The rookie left-hander no-hit Pittsburgh across seven innings, and relievers Nate Pearson and Porter Hodge finished the job for a combined no-hitter. 

Sing it extra loud, Chicago. pic.twitter.com/7cR799dXAL

— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) September 5, 2024

Imanaga was pulled by Cubs manager Craig Counsell after needing 95 pitches to complete seven innings, much to the chagrin of the fans in attendance on the North Side of Chicago. 

In addition to not allowing any hits, the recently-turned 31-year-old walked a pair and struck out seven batters en route to his 12th win of the season. 

After Imanaga was lifted, Pearson tossed a perfect eighth inning on 10 pitches. Hodge then sat down the Pirates in order in the ninth.

The team effort marked the 18th no-hitter in Cubs’ history as well as the second in combined fashion. It was the first time since 1972 the Cubs threw a no-hitter at Wrigley Field. 

While the Pirates didn’t get anything going on offense, the Cubs’ offense had no trouble doing damage.

Pirates starter Domingo Germán allowed seven runs (six earned) in three innings pitched. Relievers Jalen Beeks and Kyle Nicolas combined two allow four runs in three innings.

Dansby Swanson, Pete Crow-Armstrong and Cody Bellinger all connected on home runs to pace the Cubs’ offense. Crow-Armstrong, a day after striking out four times, finished a triple shy of the cycle. 

Things got so bad that first baseman Rowdy Tellez had to make his third relief appearance in the last 12 days.

Earlier on the road trip, the Pirates were the victim of a perfect game bid. On Sunday in Cleveland, Guardians starter Alex Cobb carried a perfect game into the seventh inning before Isiah-Kiner Falefa reached on a leadoff infield single and eventually scored the Pirates’ lone run of the game. 

Following Sunday’s game, the Pirates rebounded to take the first two games of the series with the Cubs before the embarrassing loss in the finale on Wednesday. 

Up Next

The Pirates return home for the start of a four-game series against the Washington Nationals beginning Thursday night. Bailey Falter (6-7, 4.41 ERA) will start for Pittsburgh opposite Jake Irvin (9-11, 4.08 ERA). First pitch: 6:40 ET.