Back to the Chicago Cubs Newsfeed

Cubs 3, Padres 1: Shōta shines on a cloudy, chilly Wrigley afternoon

Al Yellon created Bleed Cubbie Blue and has been its managing editor since 2005. His latest book about the Cubs is "Chicago Cubs Firsts." Find him on Bluesky at @bleedcubbieblue.bsky.social

Friday’s home Cubs opener at Wrigley Field was typical of so many over the years: Cloudy, wind blowing off the lake, temperature in the mid-40s.

The capacity house of 40,244 was there to be entertained and to see a win, and they certainly got both. Shu014dta Imanaga, perhaps the most popular current Cub, threw seven-plus strong innings and the Cubs got just enough offense to defeat the Padres 3-1.