ST. LOUIS — Cubs left-hander Shota Imanaga pinpointed a fastball on the inside corner to the Cardinals’ Willson Contreras, nicking the top of the strike zone. Contreras’ whiff spun him all the way around for strike three.

Shota Imanaga’s performance in his return made it difficult to tell how much time had passed since he pitched in a major-league game.

Chicago Cubs left-hander Shota Imanaga pitched five scoreless innings against St. Louis in his return from a strained left hamstring that had sidelined him since May 4.