With a six-run first inning and a 9\u20133 triumph, the Milwaukee Brewers<\/a> shocked the Chicago Cubs<\/a> 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.<\/p>\n The Cubs took a 1-0 lead thanks to a 389-foot home run to right-center from leadoff batter Michael Busch<\/a>. But in the bottom of the first, the Brewers reacted forcefully. Following consecutive doubles by Jackson Chourio<\/a>, Brice Turang<\/a>, and William Contreras<\/a>, Blake Perkins<\/a> ended an 11-pitch at-bat with an RBI single to make it 4-1 after Nico Hoerner<\/a>‘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.<\/p>\n After only two outs, Cubs manager Craig Counsell<\/a> pulled starter Matthew Boyd<\/a>. The Brewers added three more runs in the bottom of the second inning, with Chourio adding an infield hit and Caleb Durbin<\/a> hitting a two-run single to make it 9-1. The deficit was narrowed by later solo home runs from Ian Happ<\/a> in the sixth inning and Nico Hoerner in the eighth, but it was far too late.<\/p>\n Freddy Peralta<\/a> 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.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n This is the first meeting between the Cubs and Brewers in the postseason.<\/p>\n The game was virtually decided by that first inning with six runs. A 1\u20130 Brewers deficit quickly flipped to a 6\u20131 lead after they capitalized on early errors and knocked Boyd around.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n After the\u00a0first 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.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n With that lengthy, patient RBI at-bat, Blake Perkins\u2014who lost his mother to cancer this year\u2014provided what was likely his greatest moment in this victory.<\/p>\n Chourio’s departure raises concerns because the hamstring problem might persist into further games.<\/p>\n The Cubs’ three solo home runs\u00a0came too late and were insufficient.<\/p>\n With this triumph, the Brewers tied for the second-largest postseason victory margin in their history.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Main Image:Cubs – Brewers Game Summary<\/h3>\n
What Went Right for the Brewers<\/h3>\n
Lightning Fast Start<\/h4>\n
Grinded At-Bats and Timely Hitting<\/h4>\n
Freddie Peralta<\/h4>\n
What Went Wrong for the Cubs<\/h3>\n
Disastrous First Inning<\/h4>\n
Lack of Momentum<\/h4>\n
Short Rest for Boyd<\/h4>\n
Quick Hits<\/h3>\n
Looking Ahead<\/h3>\n
\nEmbed from Getty Images<\/a>