Shohei Ohtani and Shota Imanaga drew battle lines as the two Japanese baseball titans had a face-off. In fact, they did it for the first time on American soil. And in a storybook debut, the MLB debutant Imanaga emerged victorious. With that, he etched his name in the history of baseball. Who knew he could be more dominant than the Los Angeles Dodgers superstar? 

A packed Wrigley Field buzzed with anticipation on Sunday when Imanaga took the mound for the Chicago Cubs. This was his second big league start which presented a daunting challenge. After all, he was facing Shohei Ohtani – the reigning AL MVP. But despite him being one of baseball’s most feared hitters, Imanaga remained unfazed and accomplished the unimaginable. 

Shota Imanaga Outduels Shohei Ohtani 

He battled Ohtani to a full count as the tension thickened in the air. In no time, the perfectly placed fastball up-and-in, Imanaga sent Ohtani swinging for strike three. The Throwing Philosopher said, “He gave it a powerful swing and was probably close to connecting for a home run.” He added more words of humility, “I wouldn’t say I enjoyed it. Stopping him was part of the process needed for the team to win,” As the crowd roared, a celebratory moment transcended the game itself – a changing of the guard, perhaps?

On one hand, Imanaga stole the show with his strikeout. On the other, the story goes deeper.  Both he and the fellow Japanese import Yoshinobu Yamamoto were seen as likely replacements for each other during free agency. 

Trending

Amidst Juan Soto’s $600 Million Decision, Aaron Boone Makes A Plea to Yankees Owner Hal Steinbrenner to Call Scott Boras

May 18, 2024 10:56 AM EDT

“Nobody Knows Scottie Scheffler That Well”: Former MLB Network Host Goes on Wild Rant After 2x Majors Champion’s Arrest

May 20, 2024 01:30 PM EDT

Yoshinobu Yamamoto Caught in Ronel Blanco’s Situation; Sticky Glove Puts Dodgers Pitcher in ‘Cheating’ Light

May 19, 2024 01:00 AM EDT

Yankees News: Aaron Judge Sets a Record That Hasn’t Been Touched Since the Babe Ruth Era

May 19, 2024 08:00 PM EDT

“Dodgers, You Can’t Do That”: 13,000 People Left Heartbroken On Shohei Ohtani Bobblehead Night, According to Rich Eisen and Co

May 18, 2024 01:00 PM EDT

Get instantly notified of the hottest MLB stories via Google! Click on Follow Us and Tap the Blue Star.

Follow Us

Nevertheless, Yamamoto landed the record-breaking deal. However, Imanaga has never been short of phenomenal in his early starts. He boasted a perfect 0.00 ERA in comparison to Yamamoto’s 4.09. The former Yokohama DeNA BayStars player is not just a consolation prize after all. 

A Winning Mentality Despite Rain Cutting Short a Stellar Performance

The game could have continued, but the 30-year-old’s outing was cut short by a lengthy rain delay. He retired the the final nine Dodgers he faced. Ohtani, though struck out by his countryman, managed a double and a triple later in the game. In the end, Chicago went on to win 8-1, securing the victory over Los Angeles.

Read More : Shota Imanaga Under Pressure Following Yoshinobu Yamamoto’s Impressive Display, Cubs Star Set for Massive Shohei Ohtani Showdown

Imanaga’s emotion throughout the game was summed up when he shared his special words. Despite the rain and the delay which stopped him going for his second win, the Japanese was s happy to contribute to the Cubs overcoming the high-powered lineup of the Dodgers. “I was pitching to win, so I’m glad the team got the win in the end,” is what he said. Now that’s a winning spirit.