Cubs hit 3 homers to back key man, sink Mariners

Shota Imanaga extended his impressive streak by making his third consecutive start without conceding an earned run as the Chicago Cubs secured a 4-1 victory over the Seattle Mariners in an interleague match on Saturday night. Seiya Suzuki, Michael Busch, and Miguel Amaya each hit solo home runs, while third baseman Christopher Morel showcased exceptional defensive skills, aiding the Cubs in breaking their two-game losing streak.

Imanaga, who joined the Cubs in the offseason after being a two-time All-Star in Japan, pitched 5 1/3 innings, allowing only one unearned run on five hits. Despite issuing two walks and striking out four, he maintained his dominance on the mound.

With the Cubs holding a narrow 2-1 lead in the bottom of the sixth, Imanaga faced a challenge when he walked the first two batters, Mitch Haniger and Jorge Polanco. However, Morel’s outstanding defensive efforts prevented further damage. He made crucial stops on consecutive plays, denying Mitch Garver and Dylan Moore potential extra-base hits.

The Cubs’ bullpen then took over, delivering 3 2/3 scoreless innings with just one hit and one walk allowed. Adbert Alzolay closed out the game in the ninth inning, securing his second save of the season.

Despite a solid performance by Mariners’ right-hander Emerson Hancock, who pitched six innings and conceded only two runs on four hits with no walks and four strikeouts, he was charged with the loss.

The Cubs took an early lead in the second inning thanks to Nico Hoerner’s sacrifice fly, but the Mariners equalized with an unearned run in the same inning. The Cubs regained the lead in the third inning courtesy of Suzuki’s home run, followed by Busch’s homer in the seventh inning, extending his streak to three consecutive games with a home run. Amaya added another home run in the eighth inning to secure the Cubs’ victory.