Chicago Cubs starting pitcher Shota Imanaga, of Japan, throws against...

Chicago Cubs starting pitcher Shota Imanaga, of Japan, throws against the Minnesota Twins during the first inning of a baseball game in Chicago, Sunday, July 19, 2026. Credit: AP/Nam Y. Huh

CHICAGO — Shota Imanaga pitched seven shutout innings and Nico Hoerner had a bases-loaded triple and four RBIs to lead the Chicago Cubs to a 10-1 victory over the Minnesota Twins on Sunday.

Alex Bregman hit a two-run homer in the first and Imanaga (6-8) took over from there, allowing six hits with one walk before leaving after 99 pitches. The left-hander has gone a season-high seven innings four times, also shutting out the Diamondbacks in a win on May 2.

Seiya Suzuki had a one-out double off Zebby Matthews (4-7) and Bregman hit his 10th home run — a two-out shot for the lead.

Pedro Ramírez doubled and scored on Carson Kelly's single to make it 3-0 in the second.

Bregman and Ian Happ walked after Michael Busch's one-out single to load the bases in the third. Hoerner tripled on a ball that one-hopped past Luke Keaschall in center field before scoring on a single by Ramírez for a 7-0 advantage.

Pete Crow-Armstrong doubled leading off the fourth, Suzuki walked and Busch, who went 3 for 5, singled for an 8-0 lead. Suzuki scored when Bregman reached on a fielding error at third by Brooks Lee to chase Matthews, who allowed 10 runs — eight earned — and nine hits in three innings.

Travis Adams entered with nobody out and two on and got a double play grounder from Happ, but Hoerner singled to drive in the 10th run.

Chicago Cubs' Alex Bregman, right, celebrates with Seiya Suzuki (27),...

Chicago Cubs' Alex Bregman, right, celebrates with Seiya Suzuki (27), of Japan, after hitting a two-run home run during the first inning of a baseball game against the Minnesota Twins in Chicago, Sunday, July 19, 2026. Credit: AP/Nam Y. Huh

Up next

Twins RHP Joe Ryan (6-5, 2.85 ERA) squares off with Guardians RHP Tanner Bibee (3-9, 3.90) on Monday in Cleveland.

Cubs RHP Jameson Taillon (2-5, 5.19) starts Monday's opener against the visiting Tigers and RHP Jack Flaherty (3-8, 4.48).

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