Brewers 9, Cubs 3
With a six-run first inning and a 9–3 triumph, the Milwaukee Brewers shocked the Chicago Cubs in Game 1 of the NLDS, the first postseason meeting between these longtime rivals. The Brewers gave the Cubs a rough welcome to the Division Series by seizing the initiative early and seldom giving it up. Despite hitting three home runs on their own, the Cubs were unable to overcome the early deficit.
Cubs – Brewers Game Summary
The Cubs took a 1-0 lead thanks to a 389-foot home run to right-center from leadoff batter Michael Busch. But in the bottom of the first, the Brewers reacted forcefully. Following consecutive doubles by Jackson Chourio, Brice Turang, and William Contreras, Blake Perkins ended an 11-pitch at-bat with an RBI single to make it 4-1 after Nico Hoerner‘s fielding error gave up another run. Chourio hit a two-run single later that period to increase the Brewers’ lead to six with the bases loaded.
After only two outs, Cubs manager Craig Counsell pulled starter Matthew Boyd. The Brewers added three more runs in the bottom of the second inning, with Chourio adding an infield hit and Caleb Durbin hitting a two-run single to make it 9-1. The deficit was narrowed by later solo home runs from Ian Happ in the sixth inning and Nico Hoerner in the eighth, but it was far too late.
Freddy Peralta tied the Brewers’ one-game postseason record by holding the Cubs to two runs over 5 1/3 innings while striking out nine batters. The Brewers got 13 hits in all, none of them homers. Their counterparts only got six hits.
As the first player in Brewers postseason history to record two hits in a single inning, Chourio’s early surge was historic. His night did not end as planned, though, as he left the game in the second inning due to tight hamstrings and is currently being evaluated further.
This is the first meeting between the Cubs and Brewers in the postseason.
What Went Right for the Brewers
Lightning Fast Start
The game was virtually decided by that first inning with six runs. A 1–0 Brewers deficit quickly flipped to a 6–1 lead after they capitalized on early errors and knocked Boyd around.
Grinded At-Bats and Timely Hitting
The Brewers’ patience and strategy were demonstrated by Blake Perkins’ 11-pitch at-bat to drive in a run. To maintain pressure on the Cubs, the Brewers strung together clutch hits rather than depending on the big ball.
Freddie Peralta
After the first inning, Freddy Peralta pitched 5 2/3 innings, struck out nine batters, and gave up two earned runs. The Cubs were unable to generate significant rallies because of his stability.
What Went Wrong for the Cubs
Disastrous First Inning
Counsell had to use his ‘pen early after Nico Hoerner’s mistake in the first inning turned a two-run inning into a six-run rout. Behind an overburdened relief corps, the Cubs had to cover 22 outs.
Lack of Momentum
Busch, Happ, and Hoerner all hit solo home runs, but their offense proved insufficient. After the two-inning Brewers flurry to open the game, the Cubs never really threatened to cut into the margin.
Short Rest for Boyd
Boyd’s three-day rest period didn’t work out. He let up four hits and four runs (two earned) and recorded only two outs, demonstrating his inefficiency right away. The Cubs paid a heavy price for their gamble.
Quick Hits
With that lengthy, patient RBI at-bat, Blake Perkins—who lost his mother to cancer this year—provided what was likely his greatest moment in this victory.
Chourio’s departure raises concerns because the hamstring problem might persist into further games.
The Cubs’ three solo home runs came too late and were insufficient.
With this triumph, the Brewers tied for the second-largest postseason victory margin in their history.
Looking Ahead
The Brewers lead 1-0 heading into Game Two, which is Monday evening in Milwaukee. First pitch will be at 8:08 Central. As of press time, the teams had yet to announce their starters.
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