As expected with SD's lefty splits.
Chicago Cubs 2025
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They are not as strong offensively against lefties. If we win today, I could see Taillon going tomorrow holding Shot for Game 3 if necessary.
I actually disagree there. Milwaukee hits lefties significantly better. I'd throw Shota game 2 ESPECIALLY if we win today, then you could theoretically save Taillon for Milwaukee. My only fear being Tatis and Machado just tee off on a couple Shota spinners.
Shota has been off lately. Taillon has pitched well over the past few weeks. Hopefully we will have Horton for the NLDS if we get that far. I love our chances against the Brewers.
Sheesh that's a quick hook there...
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2-1 Cubs, back to back jacks
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One down, one to go. Solid BP work by (DP)^2, Kitts and Keller.
It's critical to win game 1 of 3, but man.... Counsell chewed up the pen. Not sure who's available tomorrow?
What are you talking about? Palencia threw 17 pitches, Pomeranz 11, Kitteredge 14, and Keller 13. Those aren't exactly "need a day off" number of pitches for a reliever. Plus you don't even throw Civale, Rea, Rogers, Soroka, or Thielbar.
To be honest, I wasn't thrilled with the quick hook on Boyd, but DANG was the bullpen efficient.
Tough call. Either go with hot hand (Taillon) or go with the Padres' awful splits vs. lefties (Shota).
Kittredge starting game 2. Anyone hear who is second in?
They're all available, don't overthink it
Will be Imanaga
Counsell managed the pitching in the game today beautifully. Boyd had been scuffling in the 5th inning in a lot of starts lately (probably due to overall fatigue) and Tatis/Machado would have been a problem if he faced them again. Don't really see any pitcher being down tomorrow besides maybe Palencia
Don't want to jinx this but since changing to a 3 game wild card format, the team winning the first game has never lost the series (12-0).
Interesting. Maybe trying to keep Imanaga from the 1st inning blues he’s been experiencing.
I think they want to avoid having him face Tatis and Machado 3 times. This way he can theoretically get through 8 innings instead of 6 without facing them 3 times each.
Edit: Not to say they plan on him finishing the game, but this is just kinda the mentality of using an opener. It almost makes those top 3 hitters in the order the bottom 3 hitters in the order in the perspective of the guy who is tailing the opener.
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