The Cubs’ slim playoff hopes could have acquired a late-season jolt on Wednesday with their first Wrigley Subject no-hitter in 52 years.
Shota Imanaga began the mixed no-no, pitching seven innings in a 12-0 rout in opposition to the Pirates.
Afterward, catcher Miguel Amaya praised Imanaga’s “consistency” and instructed Cubs reporter Taylor McGregor, “All the pieces was in its proper spot.”
Relievers Nate Pearson and Porter Hodge wrapped the no-hitter with six consecutive outs, pulling the Cubs inside 4 video games of the Braves for the NL’s ultimate wild-card spot.
The no-hitter is the Cubs’ first since June 24, 2021 and 18th in franchise historical past.
Extremely, it is also the primary by the Cubs at Wrigley Subject since 1972.
Chicago (72-68) entered the day with lengthy odds of reaching the playoffs, however an early September no-hitter could possibly be what it must push its season into late October.
Per Baseball-Reference, the Cubs entered Wednesday with a 5.1 % likelihood to make the playoffs. That could be beneficiant. ESPN lists Chicago’s postseason odds at 1.7 %.
Since July 31, Chicago has been among the many hottest groups in baseball.
It started the day 20-10 over the span, the league’s fourth-best file, with the offense main the cost, scoring 185 runs, which solely trails the Diamondbacks.
The bats stayed sizzling in opposition to the Pirates, notching 17 hits in 39 at-bats.
Imanaga improved to 12-3 with a 2.99 earned run common this season together with his no-hit efficiency.
If the Cubs’ pitching continues to match the success the workforce’s had on the plate, they may be capable of do the unthinkable and attain the playoffs.
