Chicago Cubs Score and Recap (9/22/24): Cubs 5, Nationals 0 – Shōta Shines in Shutout
The Cubs used three home runs at a soggy Wrigley Field Sunday afternoon to pick up a win and take their series against the Nationals. Five runs were more than enough support for ace Shōta Imanaga, who went seven scoreless innings in another quality start after waiting out a two-hour rain delay before the first pitch.
Mike Tauchman hit a solo shot off Washington starter Jake Irvin to lead off the bottom of the 1st and Seiya Suzuki plated Dansby Swanson with a single later in the frame that made it 2-0. In the 4th inning, Michael Busch (solo) and Miguel Amaya (two-run) each went deep to put Chicago on top 5-0.
To: You
From: pic.twitter.com/yN7tKuqB0i— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) September 22, 2024
Imanaga gave up some hits but pitched very well yet again and Washington was unable to dent the scoreboard. The bullpen made it through the final two innings to seal the shutout. (Box score)
Key Moment
The Cubs grabbed the early lead, allowing Imanaga to settle in and pitch great the rest of the way.
Why the Cubs Won
Home run power and another very good starting pitching effort secured this one.
Stats That Matter
- Imanaga has been on fire in the month of September and that continued on Sunday: 7 IP, 0 R, 6 H, 4 K, and 0 BB.
- Amaya doubled in addition to his home run as he continues his strong second half.
- Tauchman also walked twice getting a rare start in place of Ian Happ.
Bottom Line
Imanaga has been everything the Cubs could have hoped for in his first year in America. He is going to be a huge piece of their team next season as Chicago hopefully makes a big push for a playoff spot.
On Deck
The Cubs begin their final road series of the year in Philadelphia Monday at 5:40pm CT. Chicago is going with a bullpen game against Aaron Nola in a contest broadcast on Marquee and 670 The Score.