Braves Edge Cubs 2-0 Behind Short's Double and Strong Pitching

Zack Short, making his first start for the Atlanta Braves, broke a scoreless tie in the sixth inning with a run-scoring double, leading the Braves to a 2-0 victory over the Chicago Cubs on Monday night.

Short, filling in at third base for the injured Austin Riley, lined a pitch from Cubs reliever Hayden Wesneski into the right field corner, scoring Travis d'Arnaud who had doubled with two outs. Ronald Acuña Jr. followed with a single to left field, driving in Short for a 2-0 lead.

The win spoiled another strong start by Cubs rookie Shota Imanaga, who extended his team record to eight consecutive starts to begin his career without allowing more than two runs. Imanaga threw five scoreless innings, striking out eight and lowering his major-league-leading ERA to 0.96. However, he also walked three and allowed seven hits.

Braves right-hander Reynaldo López matched Imanaga's performance, throwing five scoreless innings while giving up just two hits and two walks. Left-hander Ray Kerr earned his first win of the season with two perfect innings, striking out three. A.J. Minter pitched the ninth, stranding two baserunners to earn his first save in four chances.

The game also featured a rare ejection for Cubs manager Craig Counsell, who was tossed in the fourth inning after arguing a check-swing call by first base umpire Junior Valentine. It was Counsell's 29th career ejection and his first with the Cubs.

Despite the loss, Imanaga continues to impress in his rookie season, while the Braves bullpen bounced back from a blown save the previous day to secure the victory.