Shota Imanaga dominates on the mound, Cubs defeat Padres in home opener
- Shota Imanaga pitched 7 1/3 innings, allowing only one run and four hits.
- Ian Happ contributed significantly with two hits and scored two runs in the game.
- The Cubs achieved their fourth consecutive home opener win, marking a notable milestone.
In Chicago, on April 4, 2025, Shota Imanaga took to the mound for the home opener at Wrigley Field, leading the Cubs to a 3-1 victory over the Padres. The game marked a significant achievement for the Cubs, as they managed to hand San Diego its first loss of the season after the Padres had opened with seven straight victories, the best start in their franchise history. Imanaga's performance showcased his continued excellence, reminiscent of his successful rookie year where he achieved a 15-3 record with a 2.91 ERA. His eight innings of one-run ball included only four hits allowed, establishing him as a key player in the team's rotation early in the season. The atmosphere at Wrigley Field was electric as a crowd of 40,244 witnessed the game. Imanaga began strong, retiring the initial eight batters before giving up a home run to Martn Maldonado in the third inning. Despite the tied score at that point, the Cubs regained control by scoring two runs in the fifth inning, thanks to a combination of strategic hits and a key error from the Padres’ Manny Machado that allowed additional runs to score. Ian Happ also played a pivotal role, contributing two hits and scoring twice in the victory. Manager Craig Counsell praised Imanaga's ability to maintain high-quality performance under pressure, as the pitcher effectively worked through crucial moments of the game. Imanaga's impressive pitching was bolstered by exceptional defensive plays from his teammates, including an outstanding catch from Crow-Armstrong that prevented further scoring chances for San Diego. The work done by Imanaga on the mound will surely solidify his standing as a fan favorite and a reliable option for the Cubs moving forward. This victory also signifies an important moment for the Cubs, marking their fourth consecutive home opener win, a feat they had not achieved since the early 1950s. Looking ahead, the Cubs will be facing the Padres again, with expectations that their starting pitching and strategic batting will continue to carry them through early season challenges. As both teams prepare for the upcoming matches, the focus will be on maintaining the momentum and securing victories that can define their seasonal journeys.