Shota Imanaga ties Cubs record with gem vs. Phillies

Shota Imanaga ties Cubs record with gem vs. Phillies originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

Shota Imanaga was feeling good on Wednesday night.

Everything the Chicago Cubs' Japanese left-hander threw against the Philadelphia Phillies was working -- and the Cubbies' offense was on point, too, in an 11-2 win.

It's Imanaga who stole much of the story of the night, in large part because the Phillies kept swinging-and-missing at what he threw.

All in all, Imanaga induced 26 whiffs. That tied Yu Darvish for the Cubs' record in the pitch tracking era, which dates back to 2008, according to Meghan Montemurro.

The 26 whiffs also are the highest total in MLB this season.

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Imanaga went 6.0 innings, allowing three hits and one run with one walk, while striking out 11.

The 11 strikeouts match Imanaga's career high, and he lowered his season ERA to 2.45.

The Cubs' hitters certainly had a lot more success than the Phillies did.

Matt Shaw went 3-for-4 at the bottom of the order with three doubles -- all off Philadelphia starter Jesus Luzardo.

Nico Hoerner hit a home run off Luzardo, as well.

Dansby Swanson homered later in the game against the bullpen as part of a three-hit day.

Pete Crow-Armstrong had a much-needed two-hit day of his own.

All in all, a great night on the road for the Cubs, who improved to 9-9 with the Imanaga gem.

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