Introduction to the NLDS Game 2
MILWAUKEE — All-Star right fielder Kyle Tucker is searching for his signature playoff moment with the Cubs. Evening up the National League Division Series in Game 2 on Monday could be the perfect way for him to put his stamp on the series.
The Cubs’ Response to Game 1 Loss
Although manager Craig Counsell said the Cubs already have moved on from their 9-3 loss to the Brewers in Game 1 on Saturday, how they respond Monday to being down 1-0 will be telling. That response started Sunday afternoon, when players were working out in silence at American Family Field before a staff member brought out a speaker to play music, starting with — appropriately — “Not Afraid” by rapper Eminem.
Kyle Tucker’s Struggles in the Playoffs
Tucker was brought in last December to help the Cubs weather their offensive droughts, but he has struggled so far in the playoffs, batting .214/.267/.214 over four games, including Saturday, when the Brewers scored nine runs in the first two innings and the Cubs had only six hits and two runners in scoring position all game.
Pressure on Kyle Tucker
The Cubs and Tucker don’t have the luxury of time. However, even while staring at an 0-2 deficit and his impending free agency after the season, he denied there’s any added pressure.
“I mean, no,” he told the Sun-Times. “You don’t try to worry about all that stuff. [I’ll] worry about all that other stuff afterwards. Things will work out in the end, I just worry about what’s in front of me.”
The Need for a Bounce-Back Performance
“Afterwards” could come if the offense doesn’t ignite. The Cubs have scored nine runs across their four postseason games. They’re also without rookie pitcher Cade Horton (fractured rib). Combine that with Matthew Boyd’s disastrous start Saturday and Shota Imanaga’s uneven performance in the wild-card series against the Padres, and the bats are especially needed.
Favorable Timing for the Cubs
That’s even truer because the Cubs are getting the Brewers at a favorable time. They’re without pitcher Brandon Woodruff, and his fellow All-Star, rookie Jacob Misiorowski, struggled immensely in the second half.
Setting the Stage for Tucker
The stage is set for Tucker to put what has ailed him in the past behind him — his calf injury and a regular-season slump that saw him go 25 games without homering, the second-longest such skid of his career.
Learning from Others
Tucker has seen what he needs to do. In the wild-card round, the Padres’ Manny Machado launched a two-run homer in a Game 2 win over the Cubs. Brewers outfielder Jackson Chourio put his stamp on Monday’s game, going 3-for-3 before leaving with a hamstring injury.
Conclusion
Starting Monday, the Cubs will need Tucker to come through in much the same way. With the series on the line, Tucker’s performance will be crucial in determining the outcome of the game and the series. The Cubs are counting on him to bounce back from his struggles and lead the team to victory.
FAQs
Q: What is the current state of the National League Division Series?
A: The Cubs are down 1-0 in the series after losing Game 1 to the Brewers.
Q: How has Kyle Tucker performed in the playoffs so far?
A: Tucker has struggled, batting .214/.267/.214 over four games.
Q: What is the key to the Cubs’ success in Game 2?
A: The Cubs need Tucker to bounce back from his struggles and lead the team to victory.
Q: What is the status of the Brewers’ pitching staff?
A: The Brewers are without pitcher Brandon Woodruff, and rookie Jacob Misiorowski struggled immensely in the second half.
