Introduction to the Game
MILWAUKEE, Wisc. (WGN) — Monday night started off with so much Seiya Suzuki-fueled promise, but the Milwaukee Brewers’ lineup was once more too powerful for the Chicago Cubs pitching staff to overcome.
Down 0-1 heading into Game 2 of the National League Division Series, the Cubs were hoping to even the standings at one all against the MLB-best Brewers, but after a quick strike in the first inning, the bats went silent in a 7-3 defeat at American Family Field.
Game Highlights
Manager Craig Counsell made the decision to bat Justin Turner at leadoff to start the game, and Turner, who hadn’t batted leadoff since 2016, flew out to start the evening’s festivities.
Nico Hoerner and Kyle Tucker followed Turner with back-to-back walks, putting runners at first and second with one out. Suzuki stepped to the plate, and deposited a 1-1 changeup 440 feet into the left field seats to give Chicago a three-run lead a half-inning into the ballgame.
As it would turn out, that was the last time the Cubs would push a runner across home plate.
Brewers’ Response
The Brewers responded immediately in the bottom of the first, tying it at 3-3 with a three-run blast from Andrew Vaughn. Milwaukee took the lead for good in the third on a 411-foot solo home run by William Contreras, then pulled away in the fourth with a 419-foot, three-run shot off the bat of Jackson Chourio, to bring the contest to its eventual final score, 7-3.
An interesting caveat to the Brewers’ home run barrage on Monday—all three of their home runs came with two outs, and Vaughn and Chourio’s three-run blasts were the first two three-run homers in Milwaukee postseason history.
Record-Breaking Performance
Chicago set an MLB record in the loss on Monday. They are the first team to score three runs or fewer in 13 straight playoff games, dating back to the 2017 postseason.
Shota Imanaga, who came into the game having given up a home run in ten straight starts, surrendered two of the Brewers’ three home runs.
Milwaukee also outhit Chicago, 9-4. With the win, the Brewers now lead the best-of-five series 2-0. Milwaukee is attempting to win a postseason series for the first time since reaching the NLCS in 2018.
What’s Next
The two teams now head back to Chicago for a win-or-go-home Game 3 for the Cubs at Wrigley Field on Wednesday. First pitch for the matchup is slated for 4:08 p.m. CST.
Conclusion
The Cubs’ loss in Game 2 has put them on the brink of elimination, and they will need to regroup and come out strong in Game 3 to keep their postseason hopes alive. The Brewers, on the other hand, are one step closer to winning their first postseason series since 2018.
FAQs
Q: What is the current state of the National League Division Series between the Cubs and the Brewers?
A: The Brewers lead the series 2-0 after winning Game 2 7-3.
Q: What is the schedule for the remaining games in the series?
A: Game 3 will be played at Wrigley Field on Wednesday, with first pitch scheduled for 4:08 p.m. CST.
Q: What record did the Cubs set in their loss on Monday?
A: The Cubs set an MLB record for scoring three runs or fewer in 13 straight playoff games, dating back to the 2017 postseason.
