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
Despite the two home runs Shu014dta Imanaga allowed in the second inning Monday, I think he’d probably say this was a successful final tuneup for the Tokyo Series. Imanaga pitched into the fifth inning. He threw 75 pitches (52 strikes), striking out four. This probably sets Shu014dta up to throw 75-80 pitches and five, possibly six, innings against the Dodgers next Tuesday.
Meanwhile, the Cubs came from behind to defeat the Guardians 7-4.