Imanaga allows 1 hit in return, Cubs manage split with Cardinals 3-0

Shota Imanaga returned from the injured list to throw five innings of one-hit ball, lifting the Chicago Cubs to a 3-0 victory over the St. Louis Cardinals on Thursday for a split of a four-game series.

Michael Busch homered and singled and Carson Kelly also had two hits for the NL Central-leading Cubs.

St. Louis was shut out in back-to-back games for the first time this season. Five Chicago pitchers combined on a three-hitter.

A left hamstring strain cost Imanaga (4-2) nearly two months. In his Busch Stadium debut, Imanaga gave up a first-inning single to Masyn Winn and then retired 10 batters before issuing his lone walk.

Imanaga, an All-Star last season as a rookie, lowered his ERA to 2.54.

Daniel Palencia allowed the first to batters to reach before striking out the side in the ninth for his eighth save in nine opportunities.

The Cardinals begin a three-game series at Cleveland on Friday with Sonny Gray (7-2, 3.72 ERA) facing the Guardians’ Luis Ortiz (4-8, 4.30).

The Cubs had not announced a starter for the opener of a three-game series at Houston. Brandon Waler (0-1, 3.80) starts for the Astros.



(AP Photo Jeff Roberson)