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.
Pitching in New York City for the first time did not faze him, as he was asked for his impressions of being on the big stage.
“Well, I recognized the hotel view from Spider-Man,” he said through his translator.
It’s only early May and the rest of baseball will likely learn to adjust to his arsenal and the unsustainable pace will come back to reality. But right now he’s looking very much like a superhero the North Side needs
