With the Cubs holding a 1-0 series lead in the best-of-three matchup, manager Craig Counsell used reliever Andrew Kittredge as an opener, aiming to neutralize the Padres’ right-handed bats early. However, San Diego quickly grabbed a first-inning run via consecutive singles from Fernando Tatis Jr. and Luis Arraez, a double steal, and a sacrifice fly by Jackson Merrill.
Imanaga entered in relief and stabilized the game, retiring nine straight batters at one stretch. But trouble mounted in the fifth. After a walk to Tatis and a sacrifice bunt by Arraez, the Cubs faced a critical decision with two outs and first base open as Machado came to the plate. Despite Imanaga’s history of surrendering home runs—he led all MLB pitchers with at least 140 innings in 2025 with a 1.93 HR/9 rate—Counsell opted to let the lefty face Machado rather than turn to right-hander Michael Soroka or issue an intentional walk.
Machado, who had previously struggled against Imanaga, capitalized on a hanging splitter, launching his eighth career postseason home run into the left-field seats. The blast extended his Padres franchise record and secured the win behind six shutout innings from Dylan Cease and a strong San Diego bullpen.
The loss sends the Cubs to a must-win Game 3 at home. Despite their rich postseason history—including four National League pennants between 1906 and 1910 and the legendary “Tinker to Evers to Chance” infield immortalized in Franklin Pierce Adams’ 1910 poem—the Cubs now face elimination. For ongoing coverage and live updates, visit Chicago Cubs Scores, Stats and Highlights on ESPN or follow the official Chicago Cubs X account.