Cubs on the Brink of Playoff Elimination with 7-3 Defeat to Brewers in NLDS Game 2
MILWAUKEE — In a critical moment of the National League Division Series, the Chicago Cubs faced a daunting challenge after dropping two consecutive games to the Milwaukee Brewers. Left fielder Ian Happ assessed the Cubs’ situation candidly, emphasizing the need for offensive improvement as the team headed into Game 3 of the series. “We’ve won a few games here in the playoffs, but haven’t scored a bunch of runs,” he stated following the Cubs’ 7-3 defeat on Tuesday. “So hanging a few crooked numbers would help a lot.”
The Brewers have excelled at scoring explosive runs in the early games, while the Cubs have struggled to surpass the three-run mark. Now, trailing 0-2 in this best-of-five series, the Cubs face statistical odds that are heavily tilted against them. Historical data reveals that only 10 out of 90 teams that have fallen behind two games to none in such a series have managed to come back and win, as noted by Emegypt.
Cubs Start Strong, But Brewers Strike Back
The Cubs found hope in a promising first inning when Seiya Suzuki launched a three-run home run, bringing the crowd to life at American Family Field’s Miller Lite Landing. However, the jubilation was short-lived. Brewers’ Andrew Vaughn quickly turned the tables, hitting a game-tying home run that deflated the Cubs’ early momentum.
Ian Happ reflected on the game, saying, “With the team putting up three runs, I ruined the game.” The Cubs could not hold onto their lead as Milwaukee continued to apply pressure.
Pitching Woes Cost Cubs Valuable Opportunities
Cubs pitcher Shota Imanaga had a rocky outing, giving up multiple home runs during critical moments. After allowing four runs and failing to pitch beyond 2⅔ innings, Imanaga expressed his frustration: “Realistically, I haven’t been able to put up the results to help the team. But if that was to come to reality, then I want to regain the trust of everybody.”
- First inning: Suzuki’s three-run blast gives Cubs an early edge.
- Vaughn’s second-inning homer ties the game at three.
- Contreras puts Brewers ahead with a solo shot in the third inning.
The Cubs attempted to rally by bringing in Daniel Palencia, who had been effective in the closing role during the season. However, he, too, faltered, surrendering a three-run homer that put the Brewers firmly in control at 7-3. Milwaukee’s pitching staff, having used seven pitchers in the game, proved challenging to overcome.
Looking Ahead: Cubs’ Path to Survival
The Cubs have their work cut out for them as they prepare for Game 3, with Jameson Taillon taking the mound. It was Taillon who had a standout performance in the previous wildcard series game, a must-win for the Cubs. Ian Happ remains optimistic: “You can’t look at it as this daunting three games. You have to take it as, win tomorrow, move on.”
As the series shifts from Milwaukee to Chicago, the stakes escalate with each game. The Cubs are eager to find a path to victory, staring down their last chance against a strong Brewers team. Center fielder Pete Crow-Armstrong captured the sentiment perfectly: “I’d be a fool if I was here and didn’t think so.”
With Game 3 looming, the Cubs must find a way to stay alive in the postseason. The momentum of the playoffs is ever-shifting, and the Cubs will seek to harness any glimmer of hope against their formidable opponent.
