Cubs-Padres Game Two Thread: Imanaga's Opener Is A Necessary Evil

[SpongeWorthy]

Just now, Jason Ross said:

So, you've got nothing, then? I'm not going to play into this nonsense. You're the one who said Taillon or Rea should have start. Either defend your position, or don't. But I'm not going to follow you into your random foxholes of debate so you can weasel out of making a cogent argument. 

i haven't said anything about taillon or rea bro lol

[s2obed]

1 minute ago, UMFan83 said:

With Rea going today and Taillon going tomorrow barring a comeback, not sure who starts game 1 against Milwaukee.  I mean yeah get there first but Assad?  Soroka?

Worry about that if we get there. 

[Connor McConnor]

3 minutes ago, s2obed said:

At the end of the day the Cubs will go as far as their offense goes. If we get the 1st half offense tomorrow we will advance. If we get 2nd half offense, we’ll be eliminated tomorrow. 

WTH?  We are only down 3 runs.   FFS.

[soccer10k]

2 minutes ago, UMFan83 said:

With Rea going today and Taillon going tomorrow barring a comeback, not sure who starts game 1 against Milwaukee.  I mean yeah get there first but Assad?  Soroka?

Good for us that there’s an off day after both Game 1 and Game 2. Have to get there first.

[UMFan83]

Just now, s2obed said:

Worry about that if we get there. 

I'm just curious.  Guessing Assad would be the choice, especially if Soroka goes multiple innings tomorrow.  But the Cubs are gonna put up 4 this inning anyways.

[Tangled Up in Plaid]

Just now, Connor McConnor said:

WTH?  We are only down 3 runs.   FFS.

To be fair, Padres have the best bullpen in the playoffs and it's not close.

[Jason Ross]

Just now, SpongeWorthy said:

i haven't said anything about taillon or rea bro lol

Then what's your issue here "bro"? I got it mixed up, you just inserted yourself into a debate in which you had no position, forgive me. 

I'm uninterested in the game you've decided to play. You can be upset the Cubs are losing.

[Caesar]

Deep down you know if they lose the series it’s going to be because of the bats! The pitching is doing its job. 

[UMFan83]

Just now, soccer10k said:

Good for us that there’s an off day after both Game 1 and Game 2. Have to get there first.

Yeah, Boyd would be on regular rest if Game 2 was on a Sunday but definitely fine with an extra day of rest.

Blah blah blah yeah I know get there first lol

[PeanutPunch33]

This would actually be a great game if not for that HR 

[UMFan83]

Of course.  Line drive up the middle caught earlier in the game, deflection right to 1B this time

[Jason Ross]

Man, it's more fun when they're winning.

[soccer10k]

Nico rips one up the middle, except it hits the pitchers foot and goes right to the 1Bman for an easy out.

[cubfansince77]

7 minutes ago, Caesar said:

Agreed. This is on the offense!

Yep, pitching has been good all year long. Not perfect, but good enough to win. Offense is absolutely to blame and regardless of the outcome of this series, something should be done about it in the off season. The more I ponder it, the less I want Jed to hand a mega deal to Tucker.  I don't think he'll stay healthy consistently going forward. All that dough can be used to fortify the pen, add another starter and solidify the bench. 

[We Got The Whole 9]

Good job with the EV but can anyone elevate a pitch? Lets horsefeathers go.

[Caesar]

SD pitching is good but not this good. They are making each pitcher look great.

[Jason Ross]

3 minutes ago, Caesar said:

Deep down you know if they lose the series it’s going to be because of the bats! The pitching is doing its job. 

The Cubs have been the recipient of a bit of bad luck offensively today. Busch had a 1-out, xBA of over .700 find it's way to a glove with a runner on 2nd. They had EV's over 99 3x in the first inning that found gloves. 

As well, Shota was not particularly sharp. He fought command all day, generated just 8 whiffs, and hung a really bad one to Machado when he couldn't do that. 

I don't think it's this cut and dry. The offense could be better. Shota could have been better. 

[chibears55]

9 minutes ago, UMFan83 said:

With Rea going today and Taillon going tomorrow barring a comeback, not sure who starts game 1 against Milwaukee.  I mean yeah get there first but Assad?  Soroka?

My guess would be Assad 

[s2obed]

7 minutes ago, Connor McConnor said:

WTH?  We are only down 3 runs.   FFS.

Being realistic... the odds are not in their favor. Did you not see the Padres pen stats a moment ago on the screen? lol 

in MLB 

1st in ERA
1st in WHIP
1st in K's
2nd in somethin else... 

Edited October 1, 2025 by s2obed

[UMFan83]

3 hits and 1 intentional walk in 6 innings for the Cubs offense

[soccer10k]

Letting Morejon go 2 1/3 probably not ideal if we’re trying to burn their pen. I guess he’s probably out for tomorrow though.

[cubfansince77]

10 minutes ago, Jason Ross said:

The Padres are starting Yu Darvish tomorrow who has been pretty brutal. Even recently. If the Cubs can keep this game within three, the Padres will likely use all of their arms of consequence out of the (or most of it) BP a second straight day. They will be tired. 

I get we're all bummed but the Cubs still are in a decent position tomorrow.

Good point JR...what's your feeling on Jamo? I have missed his last two starts. How has he looked?

[Caesar]

3 minutes ago, cubfansince77 said:

Yep, pitching has been good all year long. Not perfect, but good enough to win. Offense is absolutely to blame and regardless of the outcome of this series, something should be done about it in the off season. The more I ponder it, the less I want Jed to hand a mega deal to Tucker.  I don't think he'll stay healthy consistently going forward. All that dough can be used to fortify the pen, add another starter and solidify the bench. 

Tucker ship has sailed. Happ is replaceable as well. You need more consistent hitters versus all this guys that fall asleep for months at a time.

[Jason Ross]

1 minute ago, s2obed said:

Being realistic... the odds are not in their favor. Did you not see the Padres pen stats a moment ago on the screen? lol 

in MLB 

1st in ERA
1st in WHIP
1st in K's
2nd in somethin else... 

Yeah, I'll admit, I tend to shy on the optimism side, but I think today is going to be a hell of an uphill battle. 

That said, there can be good that comes out of this. The Cubs need to keep this to a three game lead. That's going to force the Padres to keep using BP arms. Morejon is likely done for the series because of yesterday and today. Make Miller throw another inning. Maybe Estrada throw. Make them on 3-days usage into tomorrow.

[Outshined_One]

Just now, Jason Ross said:

I don't think it's this cut and dry. The offense could be better. Shota could have been better. 

It's the hardest part of the playoffs.  During the regular season, if you're playing a crap team, Busch's hit finds a hole and Shota's wobbliness doesn't come back to bite them, but in the playoffs, every issue and bad bounce is magnified x 100.

They're still very much in this game, but the combination of the Padres bullpen and slumping bats don't exactly inspire hope.