The Chicago Cubs entered Friday looking to continue the momentum created during their series with the Houston Astros. For the first time since 2017, the Cubs paid the Boston Red Sox a visit on the east coast.
Tale of the Tape
With Shota Imanaga on the bump, the Chicago Cubs were looking to continue their winning streak following the three-game sweep over the Astros. In their series opener with the Boston Red Sox, the Cubs put their foot on the gas early.
In the top of the second, the Cubs got on the board. With Michael Busch and Dansby Swanson on, Matt Mervis picked up his first hit of 2024 by driving in a run and giving the Cubs a 1-0 lead.
Two batters later, Pete Crow-Armstrong kept his personal momentum going with a single to score Swanson and give the Cubs a 2-0 lead.
Crow-Armstrong laid down a sacrifice bunt to score the Cubs' third run in the top of the fourth. However, the Red Sox got one back when Tyler O'Neill hit a solo home run to get the home team on the board.
In the top of the fifth, Mike Tauchman scored on a sacrifice fly from Michael Busch. The Cubs continued adding on. In the top of the seventh, Christopher Morel scored Tauchman once again on a single to give the Cubs a comfortable 5-1 lead.
After 6.1 innings of work, Shota Imanaga was lifted from the game. The lefty continues to be the Cubs' most reliable starter. Imanaga allowed five hits, one run, and one walk while striking out seven. Imanaga's season ERA sits at 0.98.
The Cubs got a few insurance runs from Patrick Wisdom. With Morel and Busch on in the top of the seventh, Wisdom doubled into the gap, scoring both base runners. Wisdom's first double gave the Cubs the 7-1 lead over the Red Sox.
2.2 innings of work from RHP Keegan Thompson closed out the win for the Cubs. After a rough 2023 season, Thompson has been sensational for the Cubs in 2024. An early win in Boston has the Cubs set up nicely rolling into the weekend.
The 7-1 win is the Cubs' fourth consecutive win.
Shota Show
Although the offense did everything that was needed and more, Shota Imanaga was the story of this game. He threw 6.1 innings of work while dominating the Red Sox.
Imanaga struck out seven, and continued working himself out of jams when the opportunities presented themselves. Although Keegan Thompson was equally impressive, Imanaga continues to lead this rotation while Justin Steele remains on the shelf.
Imanaga's season stats are impressive. In 27.2 innings of work over five starts, Imanaga is 5-0 with the 0.98 ERA. In addition, he has 28 strikeouts and just three walks so far.
Shota Imanaga is that guy.
What's On Tap Next?
The Cubs and Red Sox do battle again at 3:10 p.m. CDT on Saturday. The Cubs are projected to throw RHP Ben Brown. The Red Sox will throw RHP Josh Winckowski.
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