WATCH: Postgame interviews with Craig Counsell, Shota Imanaga, Nico Hoerner, more |
Tony Crumpton
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- Wednesday, April 16 2025
Hear from Chicago Cubs manager Craig Counsell, pitcher Shota Imanaga, second baseman Nico Hoerner, and relief pitchers Ryan Pressly and Caleb Thielbar after a 2-1 win over the San Diego Padres in 10 innings at Petco Park.
Watch the postgame interviews below:
Video summary/cliff-notes:
(00:00–01:36) Manager Craig Counsell praised the entire pitching staff, highlighting Caleb Thielbar and Daniel Palencia for critical innings, and Shota Imanaga for a strong start despite having to work hard. He emphasized the team’s ability to bounce back from a rough night.
(01:36–02:41) Counsell talked about the importance of small ball and base running, noting Nico Hoerner’s clutch hit and Pete Crow-Armstrong’s bunt, both of which helped manufacture runs.
(02:41–03:41) Counsell gave credit to Manny Machado for a tough at-bat and lauded the staff for keeping San Diego off balance in a high-pressure environment.
(03:41–05:11) Shota Imanaga reflected on his early-inning struggles and emphasized the importance of avoiding walks to extend outings. He praised Miguel Amaya for his game-calling and leadership behind the plate.
(06:43–08:25) Imanaga called his duel with Machado a learning opportunity and noted the value of pitching under pressure in a loud, away stadium to develop as a pitcher.
(08:57–09:26) Nico Hoerner described his mindset in his game-changing at-bat and praised the bullpen’s performance, calling it the “real story of the game.”
(09:53–10:24) Hoerner enjoyed the emotional moments and said the pitching staff’s ability to land off-speed pitches for strikes was key to their success.
(10:50–11:48) Ryan Pressly highlighted the bullpen’s grit and how important it is for younger players to get experience in big-game atmospheres early in the season.
(11:48–12:27) Pressly noted he’s now locating pitches better after early struggles and praised the team’s growth and resilience during a tough stretch of games.
(12:57–14:29) Pressly and Caleb Thielbar both emphasized the mindset of attacking hitters in high-pressure extra-inning situations and expressed satisfaction in the bullpen’s ability to shut down a dangerous Padres lineup.
