URGENT UPDATE: In a critical moment of the NL Wild Card Series, Cubs manager Craig Counsell is facing intense scrutiny after his decision to leave lefty Shota Imanaga in the game against Manny Machado backfired spectacularly. This pivotal moment occurred in the fifth inning of Game 2, where Machado launched a first-pitch splitter into the stands for a two-run home run, pushing the San Diego Padres ahead 3-0, which became the final score.
The stakes could not be higher as Game 3 looms at Wrigley Field on October 5, 2023. The pressure is mounting as the series is tied, and the winner advances. “The results suggest that we should have done something different,” Counsell admitted in a post-game statement, acknowledging the miscalculation. “Really just confidence in Shota, plain and simple there. I thought he was pitching well, and unfortunately, he made a mistake.”
The critical play unfolded after Fernando Tatis Jr. walked and advanced to second on Luis Arraez‘s sacrifice bunt, creating an open base. Despite having righty Mike Soroka warming up, Counsell opted to let Imanaga face Machado. “Walking him wasn’t in my head,” Imanaga stated through an interpreter. “That splitter was meant for down in the zone.”
Machado, who entered the at-bat 0 for 6 in the series, was surprised by the decision. “I’m not thinking about that. For myself, I was just thinking about trying to get to Imanaga,” he said after the game. The unexpected matchup proved disastrous for the Cubs, as Machado capitalized on the opportunity and swung the momentum in favor of the Padres.
“I’ve got my hands full with my own club. I can’t be thinking about anybody else’s strategy,” said Padres manager Mike Shildt.
As the Cubs prepare for a do-or-die Game 3, they will send righty Jameson Taillon to the mound, while the Padres will counter with former Cubs pitcher Yu Darvish. “I’m excited,” Taillon said, expressing his eagerness for the decisive game. “As [Game 2] got going, I started to get excited for tomorrow. You do a lot of work throughout the season for big moments. I’m looking forward to it.”
The matchup promises to be thrilling as the Cubs and Padres vie for a spot in the next round of the playoffs. Fans and analysts alike are eager to see how each team adjusts their strategies following the dramatic events of Game 2. All eyes will be on Wrigley Field on Thursday as the teams battle in this winner-take-all showdown.
Stay tuned for live updates and analysis as the playoff action continues.
