Imanaga Leads Cubs to Series Win over Yankees, Secures 57th Victory

Shōta Imanaga pitched seven strong innings, striking out six and allowing only one run, to lead the Chicago Cubs to a 4-1 victory over the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium, marking a successful end to the first half of the season. Michael Busch and Dansby Swanson each hit home runs, with Busch's leadoff homer in his first career plate appearance at that spot being a notable highlight, making him the first Cub to achieve this since 2017. The Cubs' win was their fourth in six visits to Yankee Stadium this season and helped them reach 57 wins, their best since 2008. Despite Giancarlo Stanton hitting a solo homer for the Yankees and Cody Bellinger's 17-game hitting streak ending on his 30th birthday, the Cubs maintained control, extending their lead with timely hitting and solid defense. Aaron Judge, the top vote-getter for the All-Star game, struck out twice against Imanaga, who showed impressive command and poise. The Cubs will carry this momentum into the All-Star break, while the Yankees ended the first half with a losing record in 18 of their last 29 games.