“One bad game doesn’t define you” - MLB fans rally behind Shota Imanaga after rough start against Brewers
Shota Imanaga took the MLB by storm after his incredible debut with the Chicago Cubs. Imanaga's consistency and dominant pitching continued through his first nine starts. However, every pitcher has their rough patches, and the Cubs ace witnessed his first loss against the Milwaukee Brewers.
With consistent success, Imanaga seemed unbeatable as he kept lowering his ERA. Opponent hitters struggled to score against the Japanese star. Imanaga's swift rise in the majors garnered him the nickname "The Throwing Philosopher". To gather such attention in a short time has been a great achievement.
Yet, even a dominant pitcher like Imanaga had to taste defeat. The 30-year-old struggled for the first time in his MLB career as he surrendered seven earned runs in three innings pitched.
Imanaga is also known for his humble character. In a post-game interview on Marquee Sports Network, Shota Imanaga apologized to Craig Counsel for his performance.
Despite his loss, MLB fans took to social media to express their support for the Cubs ace. Here's a look at some of the fan reactions on X/Twitter:
"We accept shota, one bad game doesn’t define you," wrote one fan.
"Even when he has a bad outing, he’s my favorite dude on the team," added another fan.
"Class act always. We are behind you, Shota!," one fan chipped in.
Several fans agreed that there was no need for him to apologize for one bad performance:
"Shota doesn’t have to apologize for anything! He’s been doing he best player on the Cubs all season!" one fan wrote.
"No need to apologize! Everybody has those days. Yo are doing great! Move on!" wrote one fan.
"Dudes by far the best player on our team (at the moment), responsible for quite a few wins, and first bad game he is apologizing to his coach. Class act, you’ll get em next time brother," one fan chimed in.
Shota Imanaga drops to third spot in MLB ERA leaders list after first loss
Shota Imanaga dominated the MLB with the best ERA for a long time. The talented pitcher was on top of the list, but his last loss dropped him to the third spot. Kansas City Royals' Seth Lugo secured to top position while Philadelphia Phillies' Ranger Suarez sits in third.
Despite surrendering seven runs, Shotan Imanaga remains on the top five list of ERA leaders this season. Imanaga's current ERA is 1.86 with a 5-1 record and a spectacular WHIP of 1.00. He recorded 59 strikeouts in 58 innings pitched so far this season.