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**Cubs Manager Counsell Defends Imanaga Decision After Machado Homer Costs Game 2**

**CHICAGO** – Cubs manager Craig Counsell faced scrutiny Wednesday night after his decision to leave left-handed pitcher Shota Imanaga in the game to face San Diego Padres slugger Manny Machado backfired in a crucial Game 2 of the NL Wild Card Series. Machado blasted a two-run home run off a first-pitch splitter in the fifth inning, extending the Padres’ lead to 3-0, which ultimately became the final score. The Padres defeated the Cubs.

Despite having righty Mike Soroka warmed up in the bullpen, Counsell opted to stick with Imanaga, a move that drew criticism given the Cubs’ earlier strategy of using an opener to shield Imanaga from facing top right-handed hitters like Machado in the first inning.

“The results suggest that we should have done something different,” Counsell acknowledged after the 3-0 loss. “Really just confidence in Shota, plain and simple there. I thought he was pitching well… and, unfortunately, he made a mistake.”

The decision point came after Fernando Tatis Jr. walked and advanced to second on a sacrifice bunt. Counsell said he considered walking Machado to load the bases, but ultimately chose to pitch to him. Imanaga, speaking through an interpreter, confirmed that walking Machado was not discussed. “That splitter was meant for down in the zone.”

Machado, when asked if he was surprised to face Imanaga in that situation, downplayed the decision, saying he was just focused on getting a hit. Padres manager Mike Shildt declined to comment on Counsell’s strategy.

The loss forces a decisive Game 3 at Wrigley Field on Thursday. Former Cubs pitcher Yu Darvish will take the mound for San Diego, while Jameson Taillon will start for Chicago. “I’m excited,” Taillon said. “You do a lot of work throughout the season for big moments. I’m looking forward to it.”

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