Chicago Cubs starter Shota Imanaga had already made quite an impression before he took the mound at Citi Field on Wednesday night against the New York Mets. The 30-year-old rookie, playing his first season the bigs after starring in Japan, stood alone as the first player since 1901 to win at least four games and carry a sub-1.00 ERA through his first five starts. And now he continues to stand alone after twirling seven scoreless innings while scattering three hits and striking out seven in a 1-0 Cubs' victory.
Imanaga reduced his ERA to 0.78, which is the fourth-lowest mark ever behind Bob Shawkey, Dave Ferris, and Fernando Valenzuela.
His blistering arrival has made his turn in the rotation into must-see television and immediately made him a fan favorite in Chicago, where they are appreciating a 19-12 start out of the gates.
