The Chicago Cubs deployed their Japanese southpaw Shota Imanaga against the Atlanta Braves today. Despite surrendering 3 runs in the opening inning, he limited the opposition to a single hit across the next five innings, completing his streak of seven recent quality starts. Unfortunately, the Cubs lost 1-4 to the Braves, resulting in Imanaga’s seventh defeat of the year.

After retiring two batters in the bottom of the first inning, Imanaga was hit with four consecutive hits, including a home run, putting the Cubs behind 0-3 early. He quickly regained control, allowing only one hit in the next five innings, effectively shutting down the Braves’ offense. Imanaga threw 80 pitches over six innings, finishing with 5 hits allowed, no walks, 4 strikeouts, and 3 runs given up. Yet, the Cubs managed just one run all game and lost 1-4, turning Imanaga’s strong outing into a loss.

Shota Imanaga has delivered seven straight quality starts, pitching a total of 46 innings with 38 strikeouts and 6 walks, maintaining an ERA of 3.13. However, he has only earned one win, as his teammates’ bats have consistently gone cold during his appearances. This defeat widens the Cubs’ gap with the Milwaukee Brewers to 8 games, making their chances of reaching the playoffs as the National League Central leaders increasingly slim this season.