BREAKING: Another key man continues hot start as Cubs win in dramatic fashion

Christopher Morel hit a walk-off single, bringing Cody Bellinger home from second base in the bottom of the ninth inning, leading the Chicago Cubs to a 1-0 victory over the Pittsburgh Pirates on Saturday afternoon.

Bellinger had previously hit a ground-rule double with one out against David Bednar (2-3) and slid safely into home, beating catcher Joey Bart’s tag on Morel’s single to center field. The play was confirmed after review.

Bellinger contributed two hits for Chicago, which snapped a two-game losing streak in the four-game series. Hector Neris (4-0) secured the win with a scoreless ninth inning.

The thrilling conclusion capped off an intense pitchers’ duel between the Cubs’ Shota Imanaga and the Pirates’ Bailey Falter.

Imanaga impressed again, striking out seven over seven strong innings, maintaining a 0.84 ERA—the lowest in MLB history for a pitcher in their first nine career starts.

“We’re lucky to witness this,” said Chicago manager Craig Counsell. “It’s been incredibly enjoyable to watch his skill, pitching acumen, and competitive spirit.”

Fernando Valenzuela is the only other pitcher with an ERA under 1.00 in their first nine starts since earned runs became official stats in 1913, with a 0.91 ERA in 1981.

Imanaga allowed four hits, walked one, and struck out seven.

“This guy’s going to give hitting coaches headaches,” said Pirates manager Derek Shelton. “His fastball may not be 94, 95 mph (151, 153 kph), but it’s highly effective. He moves the ball well, and his split is deceptive and well-executed.”

Falter needed just 60 pitches to navigate the first six innings, with only two Cubs reaching base during that span.

Morel walked to lead off the second inning but was erased when Mike Tauchman grounded into a double play.

Falter gave up his first hit in the fourth when second baseman Nick Gonzales lost Patrick Wisdom’s popup in the sun. Wisdom was thrown out trying to stretch it into a double.

Falter was relieved by Colin Holderman with two outs in the seventh after the Cubs put two runners on base. Michael Busch walked to load the bases, but Holderman struck out Wisdom on three pitches.

Falter allowed three hits, two walks, and struck out two over 7 ⅔ innings on 83 pitches.