Shota Imanaga looked different on Friday, and that change might have saved his season. The Japanese left-hander sported a fresh, short haircut before throwing six strong innings to earn his ninth win of the year. He allowed just one run and three hits in a dominant 6-1 victory over the Miami Marlins at loanDepot park.
It was a sharp turn for a pitcher who has struggled lately. Imanaga improved to 4-2 in his nine starts since the All-Star break. He struck out four batters and kept the Marlins’ offense quiet until the Cubs broke the game open. The team scored three runs in the sixth inning to seal the deal.
The Real Story Behind the Win
While the new look caught the eye, the numbers tell the real tale of a pitcher finding his groove. Imanaga gave up one run over six innings, allowing only three hits. No home runs were surrendered during this 2026 season performance, ranking among his finest. The usually long-haired pitcher got a short haircut right before this strong showing.
Imanaga knows the pressure is on. He stated that such efforts are meaningless without consistency. He is trying to prove he belongs in the mix for the playoffs. He added that over the final month, he wants to pitch well enough to put his name firmly in the conversation for the playoffs.
Pete Crow-Armstrong Shines in Center
The Cubs did not just rely on pitching to win this one. Pete Crow-Armstrong was a force in the outfield and on the bases. He doubled and stole his 33rd base of the year. Heriberto Hernández of Miami was denied a potential extra-base hit when the player leaped at the center-field wall in the sixth inning.
Crow-Armstrong also drew a four-pitch walk and scored twice. His defensive play in the sixth was crucial because Imanaga set down the Marlins in order only after that spectacular catch. Alex Bregman also had a great game, singling twice and walking to stretch his hitting streak to eight games. Nico Hoerner contributed three hits and an RBI, while Pedro RamÃrez drove in two runs.
Aaron Civale closed out the game with his second save. He pitched the final three innings and has allowed just four earned runs in 26.1 innings this season. That works out to a 1.37 ERA, which is impressive for a reliever. Ian Happ scored on a fielder’s choice by RamÃrez to give the Cubs a 1-0 lead in the second.
Griffin Conine singled to open the seventh and later scored on an Esteury Ruiz groundout. Deyvison De Los Santos doubled for Miami while Conine recorded two singles. Bradley Blalock surrendered a solo home run to Michael Busch in the ninth. His 18th homer of the season measured 427 feet to right-center.
 The Cubs have six players with hits in this game, and five drew at least one walk. Michael Conforto even took two walks. This balanced attack helped the team secure the win.
