However, in the fifth inning, facing Manny Machado with a runner on, Counsell took a gamble in leaving Imanaga in the game, and it backfired. Matchup-wise, it made little sense for Counsell to let Imanaga pitch to Machado. Craig Counsell will be asked about the decision to pitch to Manny there. Against left-handed pitchers this season, Machado slashed .250/.332/.494 with 12 home runs. Yeah so it was pretty clear why Counsell wanted Shota to avoid the top of the Pads lineup.