Ascending Cardinals take aim at Shota Imanaga, Cubs

(Photo credit: David Banks-USA TODAY Sports)
The resurgent St. Louis Cardinals have climbed out of the National League Central cellar by winning eight of their last 10 games.

But they face a daunting challenge Friday night in the opener of their three-game series against the visiting Chicago Cubs in the form of rookie sensation Shota Imanaga (5-0, 0.84 ERA).

The Cubs are 8-1 in the games Imanaga has started this season.