Shota Imanaga's 'Rising Fastball': A Masterclass in Pitching Deception

“It’s not Shota Imanaga’s fault” - Fans argue Cubs’ offense failed, not Manny Machado matchup in 3-0 defeat

Chicago Cubs manager Craig Counsell took the gamble of using Shota Imanaga against Manny Machado in the fifth inning of Game 2 of the National League Wild Card Series against the San Diego Padres.

Bullpen dominates, Machado provides the pop as Padres shutout Cubs ahead of key Game 3

Manny Machado hit a two-run homer and Mason Miller dominated again as the Padres beat the Cubs 3-0 Wednesday, sending their Wild Card Series to a decisive third game. Jackson Merrill hit an early sacrifice fly as San Diego avoided elimination after losing 3-1 on Tuesday. Dylan Cease struck out five in 3 2/3 innings before handing the ball to his team’s hard-throwing bullpen. “That’s what postseason is about, man,” Machado said. “It’s a beautiful…

Shota Imanaga's 'rising fastball': A masterclass in pitching deception

CHICAGO (WGN) - While the Chicago Cubs look to close out the San Diego Padres at Wrigley Field in the MLB Wild Card Round, pitcher Shota Imanaga came into Game 2 in the second inning to pitch several relief innings. Imanaga is known for having a pitch in his repertoire that becomes an optical illusion. When Imanaga is on his game on the mound, many observers believe he's able to throw baseball's most dominant pitch, the mythical "rising fastball…

Padres beat Cubs in Game 2 of NL Wild Card Series

Manny Machado hit a two-run homer, Mason Miller dominated again and the Padres beat the Cubs 3-0 to send their NL Wild Card Series to a decisive third game.

Machado and Miller star as the Padres beat the Cubs 3-0 in Game 2 of their NL Wild Card Series - KFIZ News-Talk 1450 AM

CHICAGO (AP) — Manny Machado hit a two-run homer, Mason Miller dominated again and the San Diego Padres beat the Chicago Cubs 3-0 on Wednesday, sending their NL Wild Card Series to a decisive third game. Jackson Merrill hit an early sacrifice fly as San Diego avoided elimination after losing 3-1 on Tuesday. Dylan Cease struck out five in 3 2/3 innings before handing the ball to his team’s hard-throwing bullpen. “That’s what postseason is about, …

Craig Counsell’s pitching decisions scrutinized as Cubs fall to Padres 3-0 in Game 2 of wild-card series – Usa news

The game was teetering with two outs, a runner on second base, and Padres slugger Manny Machado walking to the plate. Cubs manager Craig Counsell had to choose whether to let left-hander Shota Imanaga pitch to him. On one hand, intentionally walking Machado would give Imanaga a left-on-left matchup with Jackson Merrill. On the other, Imanaga had retired Machado once already Wednesday. “Really, it was just confidence in Shota, plain and simple,” …