Roberts: Machado's Throw Was Intentional, NLDS Game 2
The drama of the NLDS Game 2 continues to unfold as Dodgers manager Dave Roberts explicitly stated Manny Machado's throw to home plate was intentional.
The play itself was a chaotic scene. Machado, fielding a ground ball in the 8th inning, had a chance to easily throw to first for an out. Instead, he threw a wild, high-risk throw to home, attempting to get the runner. This decision by Machado, while bold, drew criticism for its potential to hurt his teammate, catcher Will Smith.
Roberts, however, had a different view. During his post-game press conference, he defended Machado's actions, stating that the throw was intentional and not reckless. "Manny's a smart player," Roberts said, adding that the veteran infielder saw the opportunity to create chaos and take a gamble. "He understands the situation and made a choice."
This statement sparked further debate among baseball fans and analysts. Some praised Machado's aggressive play, seeing it as a testament to his competitive spirit. Others expressed concern about the potential for injury, highlighting the risk involved in such a play.
The throw ultimately didn't result in an out, but it served as a catalyst for a crucial moment in the game. The Padres scored two runs in the 8th inning, tying the game before ultimately winning in extra innings.
The intentional throw will likely continue to be a talking point for fans and analysts alike. Was Machado's gamble a genius move or a reckless decision? This question is sure to be debated throughout the remainder of the playoffs.
