Nico Hoerner, Matt Shaw dominate as Cubs grab series win over Phillies

PHILADELPHIA — Matt Shaw and Nico Hoerner formed quite the duo in the Cubs’ 11-2 victory Wednesday against the Phillies.

No. 9 batter Shaw would double (he did it three times), and leadoff man Hoerner would drive him in (he had a career-high five RBI). Hoerner’s eight RBI in the last two games are the most he has recorded in a two-game span.

The Cubs’ offense is at its best when it strings together hits and has productive at-bats, particularly from the bottom of the order. On all three of Shaw’s doubles, Hoerner drove him in.

“I thought it was a big night for Matt,” manager Craig Counsell said. “When your No. 9 hitter gets three doubles, that’s a good sign.”

Hoerner was 3-for-5 and Shaw 3-for-4 with two RBI. The ideal version of the Cubs’ lineup involves production from everywhere. With first-round picks at seven spots, the group has the pedigree and talent to be productive on a consistent basis.

If the hitters start trending toward their career norms, then the offense should be able to carry the bulk of the responsibility while the front office addresses a depleted pitching staff.

“We should go out there and expect to have good at-bats,” Shaw said. “Things are starting to fall a little bit, so it’s awesome to get some momentum and have the boys run.”

Imanaga dealing

As of late, left-hander Shota Imanaga has resembled the pitcher who took MLB by storm in 2024.

Imanaga allowed a leadoff homer to Trea Turner, but that was the extent of the damage. He regrouped and mowed through the Phillies’ lineup, allowing one run and three hits with one walk and 11 strikeouts in six innings. His four-seamer sat at 92 mph.

“We talk so much about velocity in general,” Hoerner said, “I think it is different with him throwing 93 instead of 90. Every bit of life on that four-seamer he has is a huge deal.”

Imanaga is pitching with the confidence he seemingly lost toward the end of last season. His 26 whiffs were tied for the most in one outing by a Cubs pitcher in the pitch-tracking era. Yu Darvish also recorded 26 against the White Sox in 2020.

Injury report

Opening Day starter Matthew Boyd will pitch Thursday for Triple-A Iowa in Columbus, Ohio. That puts him on schedule to return to the Cubs around next Wednesday, near the end of a seven-game homestand against the Mets and Phillies.

• Right-hander Phil Maton (right knee tendinitis) had an optimistic update. Counsell said he’s recovering each day. Maton didn’t stop throwing after he was put on the 15-day injured list, so now it’s a matter of getting his arm ready for game action.

• Right-hander Hunter Harvey (right triceps inflammation) is likely going to take longer than the 15 days on the injured list. Counsell said that Harvey is in strengthening mode.

• Left-hander Jordan Wicks (left elbow inflammation) is scheduled to pitch Saturday for Triple-A Iowa. He has been out since spring training.