In a historic performance on September 4, 2024, Chicago Cubs pitcher Shota Imanaga and two relievers combined to throw a no-hitter against the Pittsburgh Pirates in a dominant 12-0 victory at Wrigley Field. This marked the 18th no-hitter in Cubs franchise history and the fourth no-hitter of the 2024 MLB season.Imanaga, a 31-year-old left-hander in his first season with the Cubs, was the star of the show. He pitched seven masterful innings, striking out seven and walking two while throwing 66 of his 95 pitches for strikes. The Japanese southpaw, who signed a $53 million, four-year contract with the Cubs in January, improved his season record to 12-3.After Imanaga’s stellar performance, relievers Nate Pearson and Porter Hodge each pitched a perfect inning to complete the combined no-hitter. This was the first no-hitter at Wrigley Field since Milt Pappas achieved the feat against the San Diego Padres in 1972, ending a 4,147-game streak without a no-hitter at the historic ballpark.The Cubs’ offense provided ample support, with Dansby Swanson and Pete Crow-Armstrong each homering and driving in three runs. Seiya Suzuki also contributed, going 2-for-4 with a run scored.This impressive victory keeps the Cubs’ playoff hopes alive, improving their record to 72-68 and placing them 4 1/2 games behind the Atlanta Braves in the NL Wild Card race. As Cubs manager Craig Counsell noted, ‘You never know what might happen when Imanaga steps onto the mound,’ highlighting the potential for more magical moments as the season progresses.
Key points
- Shota Imanaga and two Cubs relievers combined for a no-hitter against the Pittsburgh Pirates in a 12-0 win.
- This was the Cubs’ 18th no-hitter in franchise history and the first at Wrigley Field since 1972.
- Imanaga pitched seven no-hit innings, striking out seven and walking two.
- The Cubs improved to 72-68, keeping their playoff hopes alive in the NL Wild Card race.
