The Chicago Cubs are gearing up for a crucial home game against the Minnesota Twins on Tuesday, hoping to bounce back from a disappointing loss in the series opener. The Cubs fell short in a 3-0 defeat to the Twins on Monday, striking out 14 times and managing only four hits.
Chicago manager Craig Counsell expressed his frustration with the team’s performance, noting that they chased pitches outside the strike zone more than usual. Despite the setback, the Cubs remain determined to turn things around and make a push for a playoff spot.
One bright spot for the Cubs has been the performance of left-hander Shota Imanaga. The 30-year-old rookie has been a reliable presence on the mound, boasting an 8-2 record with a 3.09 ERA. The Cubs have thrived when Imanaga has started, winning 16 out of 20 games with him on the mound.
In his last outing against the St. Louis Cardinals, Imanaga delivered a strong performance, pitching 6 2/3 innings and allowing only four runs. Despite giving up 10 hits, including two home runs, Imanaga kept the Cubs in the game and helped secure a walk-off victory for the team.
Looking ahead to the matchup against the Twins, Imanaga will face a formidable opponent in Minnesota right-hander Pablo Lopez. Lopez has been in solid form recently, delivering three straight quality starts for the Twins.
The Cubs will also welcome back outfielder Seiya Suzuki, who has been a key contributor to the team’s offense. Suzuki, who was sidelined with neck stiffness, will look to pick up where he left off and help the Cubs generate runs against Lopez and the Twins.
With both teams vying for a crucial win, Tuesday’s game is shaping up to be a competitive showdown at Wrigley Field. The Cubs will need to bring their A-game and provide run support for Imanaga to secure a much-needed victory and keep their playoff hopes alive.
