Chicago Cubs Score and Recap (4/15/26): Cubs 11, Phillies 2 – Hoerner Drives in 5 to Clinch Series Win

The Cubs picked up right where they left off after Tuesday night’s rout, piling up runs at the hitter-friendly Citizens Bank Park. Shōta Imanaga dominated the Phillies on the mound in a second consecutive outstanding start and the road team easily took the series victory.

Imanaga made his only mistake Wednesday against the first batter he saw, as Trea Turner led the game off with a solo home run that put Philadelphia in front 1-0. Chicago came back on Jesus Lúzardo to move ahead for good in the top of the 3rd. A Nico Hoerner RBI single, a throwing error on a stolen base, and a wild pitch made it 3-1.

Hoerner provided the North Siders with insurance, smacking a two-run homer to center field for a 5-1 advantage in the 5th. They did even more damage in the following inning when Matt Shaw doubled home a pair and Hoerner knocked in two more with a hit to give him five RBI on the night.

A 9-1 lead was more than enough for Imanaga, who struck out a career-high 11 Phillies in six innings of work. Dansby Swanson hit a long solo home run in the 7th and the Cubs finished off the game by an 11-3 final. (Box score)

Key Moment

Chicago’s four-run 6th inning put the game out of reach for Philadelphia and made the final few innings a lot less stressful.

Why the Cubs Won

An outstanding starting pitching effort and continued success hitting with runners on base made this one a laugher.

Stats That Matter

• Imanaga was razor-sharp: 6 IP, 1 R, 3 H, 11 K, and 1 BB.
• Three more hits for Hoerner, who has a .917 OPS so far in 2026.
• Shaw doubled three times on Wednesday with a pair of RBI.

Bottom Line

Hoerner continues to prove how valuable his contract extension is going to be for the Cubs going forward. He is above average in every aspect of the game, and adding home runs will make him undeniably one of the best players in baseball. Having him in place for the next six years is invaluable.

On Deck

After a day off Thursday, the Cubs return to Wrigley Field for a three-game set against the Mets starting Friday at 1:20pm CT. Edward Cabrera is on the mound against Kodai Senga in a matchup available on Marquee with a radio feed on The Score.