While discussing the Wrigley Field wind factor last weekend in the Chicago Cubs clubhouse, starter Shota Imanaga insisted he doesn’t worry about it when he’s pitching.

“I don’t think the wind matters that much,” he said through an interpreter. “Realistically, even if the wind is blowing in and they square up, it’s still going to go for a homer.”

San Diego Padres third baseman Manny Machado proved Imanaga right on Wednesday in Game 2 of the wild-card series, hitting a two-run, fifth-inning home run into the wind off the left-hander that paved the way to a 3-0 win over the Cubs , evening the best-of-three series at a game apiece.

Why did manager Craig Counsell let Imanaga face Machado with two outs, a runner on second and first base open, after taking the precaution of using an opener i

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