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Shota Imanaga, a champion of both WBSC Premier12 and World Baseball Classic, has made history as the first pitcher since 1945 to secure a 4-0 record with an Earned Run Average (ERA) below one in his initial five Major League Baseball (MLB) starts.

The left-handed Baseball ace from the Chicago Cubs, achieved the said milestone by becoming the first pitcher since Dave Ferriss in 1945 to attain a 4-0 score with an ERA below one in his opening five MLB appearances. The 31-year-old rookie took the mound for the Chicago Cubs in five matchups, conceding merely five runs across 27.1 innings (0.98 ERA). During this span, he recorded 28 strikeouts, permitted 19 hits (including two home runs), and issued just three walks.

Following an impressive tenure with the Yokohama DeNA Bay Stars in Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) from 2019 to 2024, Imanaga inked a lucrative four-year deal worth $53 million (€49.4m) with the Cubs in January 2024. Known for his unique left-handed pitching style from a three-quarters arm angle, Imanaga has earned the moniker "The Throwing Philosopher" in Japan.

With extensive international experience, he showcased his talent in the Australian Baseball League (ABL) during the 2018-2019 season while still playing in the NPB minor leagues. Additionally, he played a pivotal role in Japan's victories at the WBSC Premier12 in 2019 and the World Baseball Classic in 2023.

Dave Ferriss, meanwhile, earned the distinction of receiving the inaugural full baseball scholarship to Mississippi State University in 1941. Despite signing with the Boston Red Sox in 1942, his professional baseball career saw limited action, with just 21 minor league appearances, as he was drafted into the US Army shortly thereafter.

Imanaga has made history as the first pitcher since 1945 to secure a 4-0 record with an Earned Run Average (ERA). GETTY IMAGES
Imanaga has made history as the first pitcher since 1945 to secure a 4-0 record with an Earned Run Average (ERA). GETTY IMAGES

Re-entering baseball in February 1945, Ferriss, primarily a right-handed pitcher and occasional left-handed batter, resumed his career with the minor league team, the Louisville Colonels. The Red Sox summoned him to join their MLB roster on April 29. 

Born in 1921, Ferriss swiftly made an impact, establishing an American League record for rookies with 22 consecutive scoreless innings pitched. This record endured until Brad Ziegler surpassed it in 2008. Ferriss concluded the season with an impressive 21-10 record.

The subsequent year proved even more successful for Ferriss, boasting a remarkable 25-6 record and guiding the Red Sox to the World Series. Following the conclusion of his playing days, he embarked on a coaching career that spanned 46 years, encompassing both professional and collegiate levels.

His contributions were duly recognised with inductions into the Boston Red Sox, the American Baseball Coaches Association, and the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame. Ferriss passed away in 2016, coinciding with Imanaga's MLB debut year.