Shota Imanaga, in his MLB debut for the Cubs against the Rockies at Wrigley Field, delivered an outstanding performance. On a cold windy day, Imanaga struck out nine batters over six innings, allowing just one hit and no runs. His debut was marked by a notable achievement as he tied Hideki Irabu for the second most strikeouts in an MLB debut by a Japanese born player. Imanaga's splitter was particularly effective, resulting in 12 misses from 15 swings. His debut also saw him take a no-hitter into the sixth inning, with the only baserunner allowed coming on an error, after signing out of NPB. Imanaga's performance has placed him alongside Nick Kingham as the second pitcher in the modern era to record 9+ strikeouts with no runs or walks allowed in an MLB debut. His chosen walk-out song for his first steps onto Wrigley Field was 'Chelsea Dagger'.
Shota Imanaga dazzles in his Major Leagut Debut at Wrigley Field! 6 IP 2 H 0 R 0 BB 9 K 🔥 He just put the league on notice! https://t.co/7nexZPP8O4
Shota Imanaga was fooling the Rockies in his Major League Debut! https://t.co/EnFHznBEoN
Shota Imanaga of the @Cubs is the second pitcher in the modern era with 9+ Ks and no runs or walks allowed in his MLB debut, joining Pittsburgh's Nick Kingham (April 29, 2018). https://t.co/BFUxEfSsOP
Cubs' Shota Imanaga takes no-hitter into sixth inning vs. Rockies in MLB debut after signing out of NPB https://t.co/R77oKPYoxR
Shota Imanaga was fooling the Rockies in his Major League Debut. https://t.co/5Q1ae6lA0S
Shota Imanaga rocks Wrigley Field in his MLB debut. 😎 https://t.co/5Su9nX4fYU
Shota Imanaga sits down nine in his @MLB debut to tally his first quality start! https://t.co/2SH9zcdUnE
6 IP, 2 H, 0 BB, 0 ER, 9 K in his debut! Facing the Rockies on the road is basically a joke but Imanga’s fastball was dominant and his splitter was effective. Recipe for success is here https://t.co/Knjq1hv7UQ
WHAT AN MLB DEBUT FOR SHOTA IMANAGA! 💎 https://t.co/1SMqmI73bD
What a debut for Shota Imanaga 👏 https://t.co/eAgAMVMGat
Pretty amazing debut for Shota Imanaga https://t.co/4QbBQweAVV
Shota Imanaga has tied Hideki Irabu for the 2nd most K's in a MLB debut by a Japanese born player (9) #Cubs ⎹ #MLB https://t.co/8ljI6Q5BtR
Strikeout No. NINE in Shota Imanaga’s MLB debut! 😱🔥 (🎥: @MLB) https://t.co/AOYLo8MWIL
Shota Imanaga's 9th K in his MLB debut! 🔥 https://t.co/fGHvvK5iJ5
Shōta Imanaga's MLB debut on a cold windy day 9 K over six shutout innings, 1 hit allowed 15 swings on the splitter ... 12 for misses. Super impressive. https://t.co/lXFiUH581u
Shota Imanaga in his first MLB start https://t.co/qXrAY0Geev
Eight strikeouts in five no-hit innings against the Rockies for Cubs LHP Shota Imanaga in his MLB debut. The only baserunner he's allowed came on an error.
Shota Imanaga's first MLB strikeout! https://t.co/me5B9gIvrx
Shota Imanaga took his first steps onto Wrigley Field today. His chosen walk out song? Chelsea Dagger. #YouHaveToSeeIt https://t.co/HXiFq0jITs
First MLB strikeout for Shota Imanaga! https://t.co/oP2IaRocOD
Shota Imanaga picks up his first MLB strikeout in his debut! https://t.co/Wdb7dr5XWh
The first strikeout of Shota Imanaga's MLB career! https://t.co/rxNhykOvcR