UPDATE: In a pivotal moment in the NL Wild Card Series, the Chicago Cubs suffered a critical blow as Manny Machado hit a two-run home run off Shota Imanaga in the fifth inning, leading the San Diego Padres to a 3-0 victory in Game 2 on October 4, 2023. This defeat sets the stage for a winner-take-all Game 3 at Wrigley Field on Thursday.
Just announced: Cubs manager Craig Counsell defended his decision to leave Imanaga in despite the risk, citing confidence in the young lefty. However, the decision backfired as Machado capitalized on a first pitch splitter, extending the Padres’ lead. The stakes are high now, with both teams vying for a spot in the postseason.
The decisive moment unfolded after Fernando Tatis Jr. walked and advanced to second on a sacrifice bunt by Luis Arraez, creating an open base. Counsell revealed he considered walking Machado but ultimately chose to pitch to him. “The results suggest that we should have done something different,” Counsell admitted post-game, reflecting on the critical mistake that cost the Cubs dearly.
Imanaga, through an interpreter, expressed his disappointment, stating, “That splitter was meant for down in the zone.” Despite having righty Mike Soroka ready, Counsell opted to stick with Imanaga, a decision that raised eyebrows given the Cubs’ earlier strategy to ease Imanaga into the game.
Machado, who entered the at-bat with a dismal 0 for 6 against Imanaga, was focused solely on capitalizing on the opportunity. “I’m not thinking about that. For myself, I was just thinking about trying to get to Imanaga,” he remarked, showcasing the pressure players face in high-stakes moments.
As the Cubs regroup for Game 3, they will face former Cubs pitcher Yu Darvish, while Jameson Taillon is set to take the mound for Chicago. Taillon expressed excitement for the challenge ahead, stating, “You do a lot of work throughout the season for big moments. I’m looking forward to it.”
Fans are buzzing with anticipation as the teams prepare for this crucial matchup. The outcome will determine who advances, making every moment on the field critical. As the Cubs and Padres clash once more, the pressure is palpable.
Stay tuned for live updates and key takeaways as the situation develops.