Milwaukee seized control in Game 1 as Chicago’s bats dried up early, setting the stage for a tense NLDS continuation. Laid‑back veteran leadership and a possible Chourio absence shape Milwaukee’s approach, while Chicago leans on Turner and Swanson to steady the clubhouse and offense.

Brewers hinge on how Jackson Chourio feels and whether Isaac Collins can step in, with the Cubs needing steady bullpen work and timely hits to rebound. The off-day cadence and veteran guidance add strategic depth as each side readies for a pivotal rematch.

Imanaga starts Game 2 for Chicago in a must-win NLDS clash with Milwaukee. The 32-year-old lefty brings a methodical, competitive mindset and a joyful mound presence that Counsell praised as fierce in execution. Milwaukee jumped ahead in Game 1, so Chicago leans on a veteran-led clubhouse—Turner, Swanson, Santana, Pomeranz—to steady the ship as the series shifts to a pivotal night.

A Cubs relief gem changed the NLDS Game 1 mood as Aaron Civale delivered 4 1/3 scoreless innings to steady Chicago’s lanky bullpen after an early Brewers onslaught. He faced Milwaukee’s lineup with calm attack, saving the arms for later as the Cubs mounted a mini-rally behind three homers from Busch, Happ and Hoerner. Peralta fought through early trouble, but Civale’s work kept Chicago in the series and highlighted the bullpen’s bounce-back potential.

The narrative intertwined Civale’s cross-team history with key performances from Brown on the mound and from Chicago’s offense, setting the stage for a tightly contested rest-of-series as both clubs readjust on off days and chase momentum.

Milwaukee rolled nine runs on 10 hits in the first two innings of NLDS Game 1 against Chicago, powered by Jackson Chourio who logged three hits in two frames—a historic postseason feat. He later exited with an injury as the Brewers built a commanding 9-1 lead.

Chourio’s 21-homer, 78-RBI, 86-run regular season and his age-21 promise loom over the series as Game 2 arrives Monday at Milwaukee. Chicago responds with roster tweaks (Ben Brown added) while broader wildcard chatter centers on starting-pitcher matchups and the league’s marquee teams navigating injuries and rotations toward the next phase.

Chicago Cubs add Ben Brown to the NLDS roster, replacing lefty Taylor Rogers, boosting late-inning options as they square off with Milwaukee. Brown’s history against the Brewers—two earned runs in 18 innings with 19 strikeouts—gives Counsell a trusted arm to lean on. Cade Horton remains sidelined with a rib injury, while Matthew Boyd, Shota Imanaga, and Jameson Taillon are the likely three starters, with Colin Rea a possible emergency option. The bullpen depth, featuring Civale, Kittredge, and Pomeranz, should lock down high-leverage innings as the series unfolds. Game 1 features Boyd vs. Peralta, a familiar tactical chess match given the teams’ recent playoff clashes.

The Brewers counter with a manager who notes the intimate familiarity between the two clubs, suggesting matchups will hinge on bullpen reliability and off-day pacing. Chicago’s Wild Card win over San Diego has them battle-tested, and Milwaukee looks to leverage its own depth and planning to swing the series in its favor.