Marlins Can’t Figure Out Imanaga, Fall 6-1

MIAMI — The Miami Marlins struggled to solve Shota Imanaga on Friday, managing just four hits in a 6-1 loss to the Chicago Cubs at loanDepot park in the opener of a critical nine-game homestand.

Imanaga turned in one of his strongest outings of the season, limiting Miami to three hits and one run over six innings while walking nobody and striking out four.

The loss dropped the Marlins back to .500 at 71-71, leaving them 3 1/2 games behind the final National League Wild Card spot. Chicago improved to 80-62, further strengthening its position in the race.

After entering the game with an 8-10 record and a 4.01 ERA, the Cubs left-hander kept the Marlins’ lineup off balance throughout the night. 

Miami starter Janson Junk matched Imanaga early, but the Marlins were unable to provide him with early run support.

Junk worked five innings and allowed only one run, giving the Marlins a chance to stay within striking distance. But the Cubs broke the game open in the sixth inning against a depleted Miami bullpen, scoring three runs to turn a 1-0 game into a 4-0 lead.

The Marlins were without Pete Fairbanks and Anthony Bender, both of whom continue to work their way back from separate injuries.

The Marlins finally got on the scoreboard in the seventh inning, but they could not generate the sustained offense needed to mount a comeback.

Chicago added another run in the seventh before putting the finishing touch on the victory with Michael Busch’s solo home run in the ninth.

Pete Crow-Armstrong also played a major role for Chicago as he continues his pursuit of the National League MVP award.

He doubled, stole his 33rd base of the season and scored twice, providing the Cubs with production both at the plate and on the bases.

Nico Hoerner went 3-for-4 with an RBI, while Alex Bregman added two hits and scored a run.

Crow-Armstrong also made one of the more incredible catches you’ll see this season, robbing Heriberto Hernández of a hit.

For the Marlins, the night was a frustrating reminder of how quickly a game can get away when the offense cannot capitalize on opportunities.

Cubs manager Craig Counsell confirmed after the game that right-hander Javier Assad will start Saturday’s 4:10 p.m. ET contest.

Clayton McCullough will send out right-hander Ryan Gusto, who, aside from Eury Pérez and Sandy Alcantara, has pitched well and kept the club in games.