<p>Busch provided the Cubs’ initial spark with a leadoff homer off Peralta, briefly brightening Chicago’s start before Milwaukee’s crowd took control.</p><p>The Cubs will lean on Busch and fellow top-order hitters to reassert momentum in Milwaukee, where energy and execution will determine pace and results.</p>

Busch homered for Chicago as part of the Cubs’ trio of solo shots, highlighting Chicago’s reliance on long balls to generate offense in the opener.

Led Cubs with a leadoff homer early, but Chicago couldn’t sustain offense as Milwaukee struck first and often. His spark was overshadowed by the quick Brewers assault and early bullpen pressure.

Busch contributes with power and run production for the Cubs in the wild-card run, bringing middle-infield pop and RBI upside into the NLDS.

Busch’s power and leadership as a Cubs hitter provide a top-line fantasy anchor, highlighted by his 34-homer season and his prominent role in the Cubs’ lineup as a leadoff threat at times.