Imanaga Leads Cubs Past Padres in Home Opener, 3-1

In the Chicago Cubs' home opener at Wrigley Field, pitcher Shōta Imanaga delivered an impressive performance, leading the team to a 3-1 victory over the San Diego Padres, who suffered their first loss of the season. Imanaga pitched 7 1/3 innings, allowing just one run and four hits, maintaining his strong form from the previous season with a current ERA of 0.98 across three starts. The Cubs scored early with a bases-loaded walk and added two runs in the fifth inning, capitalizing on a fielding error by Padres' third baseman Manny Machado. Ian Happ contributed significantly with two hits and two runs scored, helping the Cubs improve to 6-2 for the season. Imanaga's strong showing earned him a standing ovation as he exited the game, reflecting his popularity among fans. This win also marked the Cubs' fourth consecutive home opener victory, a feat not accomplished since the early 1950s.