The Chicago Cubs suffered a tough setback in the first game of the NLDS against the Milwaukee Brewers, losing by a score of 9-3. The match, played on Saturday, saw the Cubs take an initial 1-0 lead, but the situation changed drastically in the first inning.
An Unfortunate Start
The Cubs’ opening pitcher, Matthew Boyd, failed to keep pace, allowing the Brewers to score six runs in the first inning. Boyd, who pitched with only three days of rest, struggled from the start, being pulled after facing eight batters.The Cubs manager, Craig Counsell, decided to pull Boyd after 30 pitches, four hits, and one walk. Although only two of the six runs allowed were earned, an error by Nico Hoerner contributed to the situation.Counsell explained that the decision to start Boyd was based on his good performance in the wildcard series and his role as the team’s best starting pitcher during the regular season. However, the strategy didn’t work, and the team paid the consequences.In the last 30 postseasons, starting pitchers with three days of rest have recorded an ERA of 4.50, according to historical data.It’s unfortunate that it was such a big inning, but that was the difference in today’s game.
Matthew Boyd
Boyd, with little previous experience pitching with so few days of rest, had one of his worst performances of the season. He only managed to place 43% of his pitches in the strike zone and allowed a high percentage of swings from the Brewers.We chose Matt Boyd to pitch. I don’t know what to say. He pitched, it didn’t go well. We have to make decisions. We went with Matt.
Craig Counsell
Game 2 will be played on Monday night in Milwaukee.Aaron’s outing, really, really saved us.
Craig Counsell
