Cubs Select Matthew Boyd as Starting Pitcher for Crucial NLDS Game 4 Against Brewers
Matthew Boyd’s Redemption on the Mound: Cubs Face Brewers in Crucial Game 4
High Stakes for Cubs and Matthew Boyd in NLDS Showdown
Amid rampant speculation and high stakes, it was always determined that Matthew Boyd would take the mound for Game 4 of the National League Division Series at Wrigley Field. Despite a rocky outing in Game 1 against the Milwaukee Brewers, the Chicago Cubs called on their All-Star lefty with their season hanging in the balance. Boyd’s Game 1 performance was fraught with challenges, as he was pulled after facing only eight batters and being charged with six runs, though only two were earned.
Cubs Rely on Boyd’s Resilience and Adjustments
Manager Craig Counsell remained resolute in Boyd’s capabilities. “At the start of the series, it was going to be Matthew Boyd in Game 1 and Game 4,” Counsell affirmed. The team displayed unwavering confidence in Boyd’s ability to rebound, knowing that returning to his regular routine would help him avoid a repeat of his earlier struggles.
Carson Kelly, the Cubs’ catcher, extolled Boyd’s aptitude for learning from past performances. “The thing I love about Matt is the adjustments that he makes in between starts,” Kelly stated, emphasizing Boyd’s ability to glean insights from both successful and challenging outings.
Key Adjustments in Brewers’ Lineup
While the Cubs maintained a consistent lineup, the Brewers, led by manager Pat Murphy, continued to tweak their batting order. Murphy’s lineup for Game 4 saw strategic changes with catcher William Contreras moving ahead of second baseman Brice Turang. In addition, Andrew Vaughn returned to first base, marking a shift from previous games, while third baseman Caleb Durbin was moved to a different spot in the batting order to maximize matchups against Boyd.
Late Start Time Between Cubs and Brewers
For Cubs fans, the eager anticipation culminated in a late 8:08 p.m. start time for Thursday’s game. This schedule adjustment, as uncovered by the Sun-Times, was to avoid schedule conflicts with the NFL and accommodate the postseason schedules of other teams, ensuring the Dodgers, accustomed to night games, also had a daytime opportunity.
As the Cubs looked to Matthew Boyd for a critical bounce-back performance, all eyes were on this pivotal NLDS clash against the Brewers, with both teams vying for advancement in a high-octane series.
