In a dazzling display of pitching prowess, the Chicago Cubs silenced the Pittsburgh Pirates with a combined no-hitter, marking the franchise's 18th such achievement and leaving fans wondering if they’d do it on purpose next time.

With a resounding 12-0 victory, the Cubs' combined no-hitter showcased not just their skill on the mound, but also raised the eyebrow of fans who now ponder whether this impressive feat might just turn into an annual party trick. Rookie Shota Imanaga led the charge with seven no-hit innings, while bullpen mates Nate Pearson and Porter Hodge wrapped up the historic night, proving that sometimes, all you need is a complete team effort—and maybe a few more hot dogs in the stands to celebrate.

The star of the night, Shota Imanaga, in his first season with the Cubs, demonstrated remarkable composure and skill, striking out seven batters and issuing just two walks during his time on the mound. Remarkably, he achieved this impressive performance while maintaining a formidable presence in the game, showcasing that even a rookie can handle the pressure—if he avoids eye contact with the mascots in the stands, of course.

Imanaga's pitch count reached 95 before he was relieved, a decision that left some fans wondering if he could have squeezed out a few more innings. However, with the ninth inning wrapped up, it seems that the coaching staff was more focused on preserving a promising season than risking anything with overuse of the pitcher. After all, no one wants a star pitcher to turn into a pumpkin before the season is over!

Following Imanaga's exit, Nate Pearson stepped on the mound and delivered a perfect eighth inning. It’s the kind of performance that could turn any player into a legend in town, at least until the hot dog vendor tells a better story. Porter Hodge, completing the ninth inning without allowing any hits, solidified their dominance, sending the Pirates back to the dugout, likely reconsidering their life choices on the field.

To put this no-hitter into perspective, it marks the Cubs' second combined no-hitter in franchise history; the last time they achieved such a feat was back in 2021. As you read that, you may be led to ponder the urgency with which the Cubs did it again: perhaps they have a calendar marked 'team milestones' that’s getting a little crowded.

With this no-hitter, the Cubs also join a relatively exclusive club—only five no-hitters have been tossed in the past 16 years. Odds are that fans may soon start to think a no-hitter might just be part of the annual game day ritual, right next to the classic seventh-inning stretch and the inevitable hot dog-induced regret.

In addition to a crowd-pleasing performance, Imanaga's current season record has now moved to an enviable 12-3 with a 2.99 ERA. Statistics like these are the gold standard for admiration—and quite the talking point for the local sports bar; Imanaga may have just secured a few more fans who appreciate a pitcher who throws strikes now rather than later.

While many are still buzzing from the excitement, the question remains: how does a combined no-hitter alter the Cubs’ trajectory for the remainder of the season? Fans are optimistic, much like a kid getting a second helping of dessert. The no-hitter—and the night’s impressive scoreline—tends to energize a team, giving them confidence at just the right moment against their rivals. It’s not just for show; such performances can tend to stick around in the memory long after the hot dogs have turned cold.

As we sweep away the confetti from this historic night, one has to wonder if the Cubs will continue this streak of combined excellence. Whether Imanaga will become the next festival of five-star pitching or will settle into a Yin-Yang of high stakes and the occasional blown save remains to be seen. For now, Cubs fans can relish the sweet shout of victory over the Pirates; much like a well-placed fastball, you can enjoy it while it lasts.