Cubs dominate Nationals 5-0 with Imanaga’s stellar pitching
- Shota Imanaga pitched seven innings, allowing six hits, striking out four, and walking none, marking his sixth consecutive win.
- The Cubs scored five runs, including a leadoff homer by Tauchman and a three-run fourth inning highlighted by Busch's 21st homer.
- Despite being eliminated from playoff contention, the Cubs finished strong against the Nationals, winning three of four games in the series.
In a decisive game at Wrigley Field, the Chicago Cubs showcased their strength against the Washington Nationals, winning 5-0. Shota Imanaga, the Japanese left-hander, delivered an impressive performance, pitching seven innings without allowing a walk and striking out four batters. This victory marked Imanaga's sixth consecutive win, highlighting his strong finish to his first major league season. The Cubs, despite being eliminated from playoff contention, demonstrated resilience and skill throughout the series. The Cubs took an early lead with a leadoff home run from Tauchman, setting the tone for the game. They continued to build momentum, scoring three additional runs in the fourth inning, including a homer from Busch. The offensive display was complemented by Imanaga's stellar pitching, which kept the Nationals at bay, allowing only six hits throughout the game. Jake Irvin, the Nationals' pitcher, struggled, giving up five runs in just four innings. The Cubs capitalized on his mistakes, with Joey Gallo's pinch-hit ground-rule double further extending their lead. The game was attended by a crowd of 30,086, who also followed the Bears' game on the videoboard, adding to the lively atmosphere. Looking ahead, the Nationals are set to face the Kansas City Royals, while the Cubs will travel to Philadelphia for their next series. The Cubs' strong performance against the Nationals, winning six out of seven games this season, reflects their competitive spirit despite the challenges faced earlier in the season.