The Chicago Cubs host the Pittsburgh Pirates at Wrigley Field on Friday, September 11, with first pitch scheduled for 2:20 PM ET. Shota Imanaga gets the ball for Chicago, squaring off against Pittsburgh's Wilber Dotel in what shapes up as a compelling late-season afternoon on the North Side. With the calendar deep into September, every regular season game carries real weight, and the Cubs will be looking to take care of business at home in front of the Wrigley faithful.
Probable Starting Pitchers: Imanaga vs. Dotel
Shota Imanaga is the unquestioned centerpiece of this pitching matchup. The left-hander has been one of the Cubs' most reliable arms in the rotation, bringing a polished, deceptive arsenal to every start. He works both sides of the plate with precision and commands multiple pitches, making him a genuine handful for any lineup. His ability to limit hard contact and eat innings gives the Cubs a strong foundation whenever he takes the mound at Clark and Addison.
On the other side, the Pirates send Wilber Dotel to the hill. Dotel is a name worth watching — Pittsburgh has been developing young arms, and a September start against a Cubs lineup at Wrigley is a legitimate measuring stick. How he handles the atmosphere and the heart of Chicago's order will tell us something meaningful about where he stands as a developing arm.
Keys to Watch in Cubs vs. Pirates
- Imanaga's command: When Imanaga is locating his fastball and mixing his offspeed pitches effectively, he's difficult to solve. Watch his first-pitch strike rate and whether Pittsburgh's hitters make early contact or get deep in counts.
- Cubs offense against a young arm: Facing a less-established starter like Dotel, Chicago's lineup needs to be disciplined early, work counts, and make him throw strikes. Getting into the Pittsburgh bullpen before the sixth inning would be a significant advantage.
- Pirates' approach against left-handed pitching: Pittsburgh's lineup construction against southpaws will be worth monitoring. How Craig Counsell deploys his lineup against Imanaga's arsenal is a tactical element to track from the first inning.
- Bullpen availability: In a late-September context, understanding which Cubs relievers are fresh and available adds a strategic layer to how long Imanaga pitches and when Counsell goes to his back-end options.
Prediction: Cubs Win at Wrigley
Imanaga on the mound at Wrigley Field in September is a strong hand for the Cubs. Matching him against a pitcher making his way in the league, Chicago has a clear edge at the starting pitching position. Give me the Cubs to take care of business at home, with Imanaga delivering a quality start and the offense providing enough support to get the win. Cubs 4, Pirates 2.
Catch the game on Marquee Sports Network on television, or tune in on 104.3 The Score in Chicago.
