Shota Imanaga throws 5 sharp innings in return from injury as Cubs beat Cardinals 3-0

ST. LOUIS (AP) — 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.

Chicago Cubs’ Seiya Suzuki flies into a double play during the first inning of a baseball game against the St. Louis Cardinals Thursday, June 26, 2025, in St. Louis. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)

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

Busch hit a 3-2 fastball from Andre Pallante (5-4) over the wall in right field in the second inning. He scored again in the fourth when Ian Happ drew a four-pitch, bases-loaded walk.

In the eighth, Pete Crow-Armstrong scored from third when Dansby Swanson was caught trying to steal second.

Key moment

In the first inning, Cardinals right fielder Alec Burleson made an over-the-shoulder catch to rob Seiya Suzuki of an extra-base hit. Happ, who led off with a single, was near shortstop Burleson made the catch and cut across the infield to get back to first base. The Cardinals tagged second for an inning-ending double play.