Cubs in Panic Mode

Game 2 of the NLDS was another tough outing for the Chicago Cubs, who fell to the Milwaukee Brewers 7–3. Things looked promising early when Seiya Suzuki launched a three-run homer in the top of the first inning to drive in Nico Hoerner and Kyle Tucker.

That early momentum didn’t last. In the bottom half, Andrew Vaughn answered with a three-run shot of his own, quickly deflating the Cubs and much of the crowd at American Family Field.

Now, Cubs fans are asking the big question: Where do they go from here? Chicago trails 2–0 in the series and faces elimination at the hands of their NL Central rivals, the Brewers, who posted the best regular-season record in baseball at 97–65.

Cubs fan Jayden Campnell said he still believes the team has life heading into Game 3.

“I think I’m still confident in the Cubs squad for Game 3 heading into Wrigley, and I think they can pull off a victory,” Campnell said.

Through two games, the Cubs’ pitching rotation has struggled with short rest. Matthew Boyd, who threw 4.1 innings in Game 1 of the Wild Card series, started Game 1 of the NLDS on just four days’ rest and gave up six runs, though only two were earned. Shota Imanaga faced a similar situation, pitching on four days’ rest in Game 2 after starting in the Wild Card round. It raises the question of whether manager Craig Counsell pushed his starters too soon.

Baseball fan Mr. Herbert defended Counsell’s approach.

“Other than maybe the decisions on Saturday in Game 1, I don’t know if you can criticize him for that,” Herbert said. “He seems to get the most out of his players.”

Still, it’s hard to fault Counsell when his lineup has managed just 10 hits through two games compared with Milwaukee’s 24. The Cubs stranded five runners in Game 2—missed opportunities that could have swung the outcome. If those runners had scored, Chicago would have taken the game 8–7.

Baseball, of course, is a game of consistency and momentum—two things the Cubs haven’t shown much of this postseason.

Cubs fan Jimmy Banialis believes right-hander Jameson Taillon is the right choice to take the mound in Game 3. Taillon, who threw four scoreless innings in the Wild Card win over San Diego, carries a 1.85 ERA over his last seven starts.

Tonight’s Game 3 at Wrigley Field begins at 4:08 p.m., with Taillon opposing Milwaukee’s Quinn Priester, who sports a 3.32 ERA. The Brewers lead the best-of-five series 2–0, and the Cubs will need a win to stay alive.

As always, Cubs fans remain faithful—Go Cubs Go!