Chicago Cubs starting pitcher Shota Imanaga posted another scoreless outing on Wednesday against the New York Mets, helping him join an impressive shortlist.
According to Sarah Langs of MLB.com, only three pitchers since 1913 have posted a lower ERA than Imanaga’s 0.78 over their first six starts in the major leagues. The only other hurlers to best the Japanese native were Bob Shawkey (1913, 0.75), Dave Ferriss (1945, 0.50) and Fernando Valenzuela (1981, 0.33).
Meanwhile, in Cubs history, only Phil Douglas (0.75) in 1918 had a lower ERA than Imanaga through his first six starts of the season. Likewise, his incredible six-game stretch is among the franchise’s best. According to Meghan Montemurro of the Chicago Tribune, he’s one of only 10 Cubs ever to post a 0.78 ERA or lower over six consecutive games, joining the likes of Hall of Famer Grover Alexander and Cy Young winner Jake Arrieta.
On Wednesday night, Imanaga was virtually untouchable at Citi Field. The 30-year-old rookie allowed only three hits and a walk, adding seven strikeouts over seven innings of work. Now qualified with six starts, Imanaga is the MLB leader in ERA, with Philadelphia Phillies left-hander Ranger Suarez the next closest with a 1.32 ERA.
An incredible pitching performance and a sac fly by Pete Crow-Armstrong in the fifth were the difference in the Cubs’ 1-0 win over the Mets. Imanaga improves to 5-0, notching his fourth quality start of the season.
He’ll have a chance to improve upon his already-fantastic start to the 2024 campaign in his next scheduled start, Monday, May 6, against the San Diego Padres.
