Pirates Outlast Imanaga, Defeat Cubs 2-0

Reynolds, Mlodzinski lead Pittsburgh to victory over longtime nemesis

Apr. 12, 2026 at 8:40am

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting a baseball game between the Pittsburgh Pirates and Chicago Cubs, with the players and field broken down into sharp, overlapping planes of color and shape, capturing the intensity and drama of the game.The Pirates' strategic patience and mental toughness shatter the Cubs' dominance in a cubist deconstruction of their hard-fought victory.Today in Pittsburgh

The Pittsburgh Pirates delivered a masterclass in strategy and patience to defeat their longtime nemesis, Cubs' southpaw Shota Imanaga, in a 2-0 victory. By fouling off pitch after pitch and disrupting Imanaga's rhythm, the Pirates forced him to throw 100 pitches in just six innings. After Imanaga's departure, the Pirates broke through with a two-run homer from Bryan Reynolds, capping off a hard-fought victory.

Why it matters

The Pirates' victory over Imanaga is significant as he has dominated them in the past, including a combined no-hitter last September. This game showcases the Pirates' ability to adapt their strategy and overcome a seemingly insurmountable challenge through patience and mental toughness.

The details

The Pirates' approach at the plate was key to their victory. For six innings, they were hitless but forced Imanaga to work by fouling off pitch after pitch, disrupting his rhythm and efficiency. This paid off in the seventh inning when Ryan O'Hearn's single broke up the no-hitter, and Reynolds followed with a two-run homer to give the Pirates the lead.

  • On Friday, the Pirates faced off against the Cubs at Wrigley Field.
  • Imanaga had dominated the Pirates in four previous career starts, allowing just one earned run over 26 innings.
  • The Pirates were hitless through the first six innings, but had forced Imanaga to throw 100 pitches by the time he left the game.

The players

Shota Imanaga

A Cubs' southpaw who has been the Pirates' kryptonite, with a dominant record against them including a combined no-hitter last September.

Ryan O'Hearn

The Pirates' outfielder who broke up Imanaga's no-hitter with a single in the seventh inning.

Bryan Reynolds

The Pirates' outfielder who followed O'Hearn's single with a two-run homer, giving the Pirates the lead.

Carmen Mlodzinski

The Pirates' starting pitcher who delivered a gutsy performance, holding the Cubs scoreless through 5 1/3 innings despite navigating traffic in nearly every inning.

Pittsburgh Pirates

The team that executed a strategic and patient approach to defeat their longtime nemesis, Imanaga, and secure a 2-0 victory over the Cubs.

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What they’re saying

“We're not going to chase your game. We're going to make you work for every out.”

— Pittsburgh Pirates

“This wasn't just a rally—it was a psychological breakthrough. The Pirates had spent six innings being dominated, but they never lost faith in their plan.”

— Analyst

What’s next

The Pirates and Cubs will continue their series on Saturday, with the Pirates looking to build on their momentum and secure a series win.

The takeaway

The Pirates' victory over Imanaga showcases the importance of mental toughness and strategic adaptation in baseball. By refusing to be intimidated by their dominant opponent and executing a patient, disciplined approach at the plate, the Pirates were able to overcome a seemingly insurmountable challenge and secure a significant win.