Chicago Cubs score

Chicago Cubs Score and Recap (9/4/24): Cubs 12, Pirates 0 – Shōta Leads Combined No-Hitter at Wrigley

Photo of Sean Holland Sean HollandSeptember 4, 2024

The Cubs responded nicely to a couple of very tough losses in this series with a combined no-hitter Wednesday night against the Pirates. Chicago’s offense came to play as well, erupting for 12 runs to back up the hitless masterpiece by Shōta Imanaga, Nate Pearson, and Porter Hodge.

The North Siders began scoring early and often against Domingo Germán. It started with an RBI single by Seiya Suzuki in the 1st inning followed by a run-scoring double by Pete Crow-Armstrong. Ian Happ singled in the second to bring home three more runs.

Imanaga was on his game from the beginning despite some shaky defense behind him, including three errors by Isaac Paredes at third base. Dansby Swanson hit a two-run home run in the 3rd and Crow-Armstrong made it back-to-back with a solo shot that put the Cubs ahead 7-0.

Chicago did not stop scoring against Pittsburgh’s bullpen. Swanson and PCA each knocked in a run in the 5th and Cody Bellinger hit a two-run homer to increase the margin to 11-0 in the 6th. All eyes then turned to Imanaga, who continued to keep the Pirates hitless through seven frames as his pitch count neared 100.

Manager Craig Counsell made the decision to pull his starter with the no-hitter still going, tapping reliever Nate Pearson to enter the game in the 8th. Pearson kept the no-no going through that frame and Porter Hodge got a chance to finish it in the 9th. The rookie pitcher got three-consecutive ground ball outs to make it through the final inning and complete the 12-0 no-hit victory. (Box score)

Key Moment

Imanaga had 95 pitches when he came out of the game and his career-high was 103, so it was probably the right call to take him out. Of course, it would’ve been exciting if he stayed in but a no-hitter is still pretty fun.

Why the Cubs Won 

In all of MLB history, no team has ever lost when they scored 12 runs and didn’t give up any hits.

Stats That Matter

  • Imanaga’s amazing debut season just continues: 7 IP, 0 R, 0 H, 7 K, and 2 BB.
  • Swanson had three more hits and is absolutely red hot right now.
  • Very nice bounce back game for PCA after a rough Tuesday night – he ended up just a triple short of the cycle.

Bottom Line

Well that was fun wasn’t it? It showed some of the things Chicago will be able to build on going into next season. In particular, Imanaga and Crow-Armstrong, who should be major contributors in 2025.

On Deck

Anthony Rizzo and the Yankees come to Wrigley Field for three games starting Friday at 1:20pm CT. Javier Assad gets the start against Luis Gil in matchup airing on MLB Network (out of market only), Marquee, and 670 The Score.

Photo of Sean Holland Sean HollandSeptember 4, 2024
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