Chicago Cubs Score and Recap (6/21/24): Mets 11, Cubs 1 – Imanaga Smashed in Blowout Loss
The red-hot Mets crushed the Cubs at Wrigley Field Friday afternoon, scoring 11 times in the first four innings of the game. Shōta Imanaga had by far his worst start as a major league pitcher, giving up a total of 10 runs before his day mercifully ended.
New York hit three homers off of Chicago’s lefty starter in the first three frames and the game was never seriously in doubt. The home team got their only run on a Christopher Morel double play in the opening inning.
Neither squad did anything after the 4th and the Mets strolled to an 11-1 victory. (Box score)
Key Moment
The Cubs loaded the bases with nobody out in the 1st inning trailing 3-0. José Quintana got Morel to hit into a double play and then struck out Ian Happ to escape the jam with only one run allowed. That was as close as the game would be.
Why the Cubs Lost
The starting pitcher got completely blown up and that was pretty much it for this one.
Stats That Matter
- Imanaga basically had all his regression in one single start and got absolutely pounded Friday: 3 IP, 10 R, 11 H, 3 K, and 1 BB.
- Cody Bellinger had a double and a single, pretty much the main offensive highlight in this contest.
Bottom Line
Well, the Cubs avoided a one-run decision, but scoring just one run was definitely not the way they wanted to avoid that scenario. Not much more to say other than try and shake it off and play better Saturday. Hopefully, this is just a bad game for Imanaga and he will be back on form next time.
On Deck
Chicago looks to bounce back Saturday at 1:20pm CT. Jameson Taillon faces Tylor Megill in a matchup available on FS1, Marquee, and 670 The Score.