Cubs Break Through in Impressive 7-3 Win Over Twins

The Chicago Cubs gave one of their better performances of the season on Tuesday against the Minnesota Twins. Shota Imanaga threw a gem and Isaac Paredes made a big impact at the plate as the North Siders notched a 7-3 victory to even the three-game series .

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It's frustrating to think how good this Cubs team could've been this season. If they played at Tuesday's level consistently, their playoff chances would likely look much better. The amount of time wasted on continuity will go down as the 2024 club's downfall. Acquiring Paredes from the Tampa Bay Rays was a step in the right direction; it's now on Jed Hoyer to continue down that path heading into 2025.

Tale of the Tape

Shota Imanaga had it working on the mound. With two strikeouts in the first inning, the lefty gave a glimpse at what was to come.

Going against Twins' ace Pablo Lopez, the Cubs got on the board early. A three-run homer from Isaac Paredes in the first inning put Chicago in the driver's seat.

An early 3-0 cushion provided Imanaga the run support he's needed all season. There have been far too many occurrences of the Cubs' offense lying dormant, wasting a strong pitching performance.

But on Tuesday, the Cubs were in a position to add on. Paredes delivered again with an RBI single to put the home team up 4-0.

Imanaga's only blemish was Royce Lewis's two-run homer. A two-run lead would typically leave the game in the balance for the Cubs, but Imanaga helped ease any tension by settling back in.

Dansby Swanson was one of Tuesday's unsung heroes. His three-hit performance should be a sign of better things to come for such an important piece to the lineup.

Extending the lead to 5-2 from a Swanson triple, the Cubs made it difficult for the Twins. Randy Dobnak felt the pressure and fired a wild pitch that allowed Swanson to score and make it a 6-2 game.

Drew Smyly allowed a solo shot to Christian Vazquez, but it didn't turn the tide in Minnesota's favor. The hot-hitting Pete Crow-Armstrong put the final nail in the Twins' coffin with an RBI single.

Takeaways

The Cubs played an entertaining brand of baseball in front of the Wrigley faithful for once. Even if they don't make the postseason, the Cubs must focus on playing sound baseball for the rest of the season.

Shota Imanaga continues to show how special he is. For all of Jed Hoyer's faults, he hit a home run with this signing. Chicago's starting rotation has a bright future with Imanaga and Justin Steele patrolling the top of it.

Isaac Paredes gave a glimpse as to why he was brought in. The Cubs were lacking a true third baseman and now it seems they've found the perfect one.

What's On Tap Next?

Looking to win the series Wednesday, the Cubs will call on Javier Assad to provide more length in his start. The Twins will send righty Joe Ryan to the mound. First pitch is at 1:20 PM CT and the game will air on Marquee Sports Network.

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