The Cubs began their 16-games-in-16-days stretch knowing they’d need more length from their starters.

So far, so good.

Shota Imanaga turned in a quality start, allowing just 1 run in 6.1 innings while striking out 7 Boston Red Sox in the Cubs’ 7-1 win in Boston. It’s the fourth straight outing of 5.2 innings or more by a Cubs starter and the second quality start in that span.

At 17-9, this is the Cubs best 26-game start since … 2016 😳 pic.twitter.com/iY0a232yWU

— Marquee Sports Network (@WatchMarquee) April 27, 2024

Entering Tuesday, the Cubs had received just 102 innings from their starters — the second-fewest in baseball. In the last four days, the Cubs have the third-most innings from starters.

Imanaga was stellar at Fenway Park. The rookie lefty retired the first 10 batters he faced and cruised into the 7^th inning. It’s the first time a Cubs starter has recorded an out in the 7^th inning this season. Imanaga has a 0.98 ERA in 27.2 innings this season.

The Cubs offense did plenty to support him, too.

Against Kutter Crawford — who entered the game with a dazzling 0.66 ERA — the Cubs’ hitters found success early. In the 2^nd inning, the Cubs rattled off 3 straight hits to take a 1-0 lead. Pete Crow-Armstrong knocked in an RBI single to plate another run.

Crow-Armstrong followed up his first career hit with a 2-hit day against Boston, driving in a pair of runs. Michael Busch added an RBI sacrifice fly in the 5^th and Patrick Wisdom delivered a pinch-hit, 2-run double in the 7^th to put the game away.

That gave Imanaga plenty of wiggle room to work with — even if he hardly needed it.

After allowing a solo home run to Tyler O’Neill in the 4^th, Imanaga ran into trouble, allowing a walk and single. But Imanaga settled in, inducing a fielder’s choice grounder and a flyout to end the 4^th-inning rally.

Imanaga escaped a 6^th inning, runners on first and second jam with a strikeout to Pablo Reyes. He left with 1 out in the 7^th and turned it over to Keegan Thompson.

The righty turned in another solid relief performance — he allowed just 2 hits and a walk with 2 strikeouts while picking up the final 8 outs of the game. Thompson and Imanaga’s performances saved their bullpen as they continue to embark on this long stretch of games.

So far, the Cubs’ starters have been up to the task — and Saturday it’ll be up to another rookie, Ben Brown, to continue that run.