Full Breakdown
Cubs Blank Pirates 11-0 as Imanaga Shuts Down Skenes at PNC Park
7/26/2026, 12:03:13 PM
Game Summary
On July 12, 2026, the Chicago Cubs routed the Pittsburgh Pirates 11–0 at PNC Park. Left-hander Shota Imanaga (7-8, 3.91 ERA) threw six shutout innings, allowing four hits, one walk and striking out four. Right-hander Paul Skenes (9-9, 3.43 ERA) surrendered five earned runs on six hits and two walks while fanning 11 in 5 1/3 innings.
Pitching Duel Background
Imanaga entered the game with a career 0.28 ERA (32 innings) against Pittsburgh, highlighted by a six-inning no-hit effort on April 10. Skenes, the reigning NL Cy Young Award winner, had previously dominated the Cubs with a 2.77 ERA in eight career starts, but his recent form showed a 4.55 ERA over his last 12 outings.
Statistical Highlights
- Cubs total hits: 16; Pirates hits: 4.
- Crow-Armstrong went 4-for-5 with a home run, two doubles, three RBIs and a triple-short-of-the-cycle.
- Imanaga’s line: 84 pitches (54 strikes), four strikeouts, one walk.
- Skenes’ line: 105 pitches (67 strikes), 11 strikeouts, five earned runs.
- Imanaga is 3-0 with a 0.24 ERA in six career starts versus Pittsburgh; Skenes is 3-4 in games where he records double-digit strikeouts.
Official Statements & Responses
Pirates manager Don Kelly acknowledged the loss, noting the team’s frustration and the need for adjustments against Imanaga’s “brutal efficiency.” Cubs manager Craig Counsell praised Imanaga’s ability to limit walks and home runs, emphasizing the pitcher’s improved control.
Verbatim Quotes
- “To have a game like that and lose 11-zip in front of that crowd at home, it’s frustrating,” — Don Kelly, pirates manager
- “It’s frustrating. I know our guys are frustrated, too, (with) the success that he’s had,” — Don Kelly, pirates manager
- “I’ve never really thought about that, so not frustrating,” — Paul Skenes
- “Got some early outs, that helps,” — Paul Skenes
Why It Matters
The victory pushes the Cubs further up the National League wild-card race while the Pirates, now 53-52, seek to avoid a series sweep. The dominant performance also reinforces Imanaga’s reputation as the most effective pitcher against Pittsburgh, a factor that could shape future rotation decisions for both clubs.
What’s Next
The series finale on Sunday features Pirates right-hander Braxton Ashcraft (9-4, 3.95 ERA) versus Cubs starter Jameson Taillon (2-5, 5.38 ERA). Both teams will look to rebound—Pittsburgh to halt the slide at home, Chicago to maintain momentum in the chase for a postseason berth.
