Full Breakdown
Cubs Shut Out Diamondbacks, Extend Home Winning Streak to 10 Games
5/3/2026, 8:33:11 AM
Game Summary and Key Performances
On Saturday, May 2, 2026, the Chicago Cubs beat the Arizona Diamondbacks 2–0 at Wrigley Field. Left-hander Shota Imanaga worked seven shutout innings, allowing four hits, one walk and striking out five on 87 pitches. Reliever Ben Brown earned a two-inning save. Ian Happ supplied both runs with a second-inning solo home run, a double and an eighth-inning triple.
Statistical Highlights
- Imanaga’s ERA dropped to 2.40 over 41.1 innings with 43 strikeouts and ten walks.
- Happ logged his eighth homer, extended his on-base streak to 23 games and went 3-for-3.
- The Cubs recorded their 10th straight home win, moving to 21–12 overall.
- Diamondbacks’ Ildemaro Vargas entered with a 27-game hitting streak, the longest for a Venezuelan-born player, and finished 0-for-4.
Player Spotlights
Shota Imanaga, now 3-2, has become a frontline starter with low walk rates. Ian Happ, the switch-hitting outfielder, delivered a multi-hit night and remains the team’s offensive leader. Dansby Swanson’s Gold Glove defense produced nine assists, including a key play in the sixth. Ildemaro Vargas, the Diamondbacks’ 34-year-old infielder, set a Venezuelan record with a 27-game hitting streak before being shut out.
Season Context and Impact
The win moved Chicago one game ahead of the Cincinnati Reds in the NL Central and extended its home winning streak to ten games, the longest at Wrigley since 2008. The streak underscores the Cubs’ strong pitching and defense, while ending Vargas’ record streak removed a key offensive threat from Arizona.
Official Statements & Responses
Ben Brown highlighted Swanson’s defensive impact, noting it was consistently excellent. Happ said he felt confident after handling multiple pitches left-handed. Craig Counsell praised the bullpen’s consistency and effectiveness. Imanaga, speaking through an interpreter, said he still sees room for growth. Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo praised Vargas’s fearlessness, while Vargas admitted the chance slipped away.
Verbatim Quotes
- “But that doesn’t diminish how good his plays are.” — Ben Brown, Cubs reliever
- “I haven’t hit the ball left-handed for a stretch there and I hit a few balls hard,” — Ian Happ, Cubs outfielder
- “Look, our bullpen has been doing a good job,” — Craig Counsell, Cubs manager
- “Thought we had a chance to win, kind of slipped away from us,” — Ildemaro Vargas, Diamondbacks infielder
What's Next
The Cubs will attempt a series sweep on Sunday, with right-hander Matthew Boyd starting against Diamondbacks ace Merrill Kelly. Discussions about a contract extension for Imanaga are reportedly underway.
