Shota Imanaga and the Chicago Cubs pitching staff struggled in a 7-3 loss Monday to the top-seeded Milwaukee Brewers, falling to 2-0 in the National League Division Series.
The Cubs jumped out to a 3-0 lead early, thanks to a Seiya Suzuki homer with two on, but their offense quickly stalled, and the pitching staff couldn’t contain the Brewers.
Ace Shota Imanaga lasted 2.2 innings, giving up five hits and four earned runs while striking out three, ending with an 8.10 ERA over 46 pitches. Reliever Daniel Palencia followed in the third, allowing two hits and three earned runs in one inning, posting a 6.72 ERA on 18 pitches.
Down 7-3 in the bottom of the fourth, Drew Pomeranz entered and closed out the inning on a pop out, but the Cubs’ pitching troubles persisted. Colin Rea finished the outing, allowing four hits over 3.1 innings.
Fans took to social media to react to the Cubs’ continued pitching woes, highlighting the challenges Chicago faces as it tries to turn around the series.
The winner between the No. 4 Cubs and No. 1 Brewers will face the victor of the series between the No. 3 Los Angeles Dodgers and No. 2 Philadelphia Phillies in the National League Championship Series. The Dodgers currently hold a 2-0 lead.
The series shifts to Chicago on Wednesday for Game 3.