In Milwaukee, the Chicago Cubs faced a familiar situation: a bullpen day. Manager Craig Counsell opted for this strategy during Game 5 of the National League Division Series when Shota Imanaga wasn’t considered a viable option. Once again, on Sunday, Counsell used the bullpen approach during a 4-3 victory in 10 innings against the Milwaukee Brewers.
A neck injury to Ben Brown combined with a rainout in New York led the Cubs to a doubleheader against the Mets, prompting the bullpen plan. Despite not being Counsell’s preferred method, the seven-reliever effort was effective. Notable additions like Bryse Wilson filled injury gaps, showcasing strong pitching. The Cubs’ offense struggled against Brandon Woodruff and the Brewers’ bullpen but managed two runs on a wild pitch and a walk. This win capped a successful 6-1 road trip.
“The guys are having fun and playing good baseball,” Counsell remarked. “Although our offense was limited, our pitchers delivered outstanding performances.” Chicago Cubs designated hitter Seiya Suzuki highlighted the game with a two-RBI single in the 10th inning.
Good streak, bad streak, that has nothing to do with the identity of this team. We know who we are in this clubhouse, and that’s all that matters.
After a difficult 7-22 stretch, the Cubs improved to 12-4 in their last 16 games, recovering from earlier struggles. Center fielder Pete Crow-Armstrong expressed pride in their road performance, emphasizing their focus on team identity over streaks.
The 10th inning unfolded with Brewers reliever Joel Kuhnel issuing an intentional walk to Crow-Armstrong. After a stolen base, Kuhnel hit Alex Bregman before walking Michael Busch, forcing in a go-ahead run. Suzuki’s single increased the lead to 4-1. When Ethan Roberts entered, he allowed a run-scoring single and loaded the bases with no outs, intensifying the game’s tension. Jordan Wicks relieved Roberts, walked Garrett Mitchell, then induced a pop-out and a double play to secure the win.
Wicks, one of the day’s bullpen stars, described the moment as a significant highlight in his career. Starting pitcher Ryan Rolison gave up a solo home run to Gary Sanchez in two innings. Bryse Wilson, just acquired via waivers, provided 4 1/3 shutout innings, excelling against his former team in Milwaukee.
Additional bullpen efforts came from Caleb Thielbar, Tyler Ferguson, and Jacob Webb, keeping the Cubs competitive. The Cubs had limited scoring chances and struggled, hitting only .234 with runners in scoring position, going 1-for-10 that day. Aaron Ashby’s wild pitch allowed Ian Happ to score the tying run in the seventh inning.
Injury issues compounded bullpen strains, with Matt Shaw leaving the game due to a precautionary wrist injury. Despite challenges, Counsell emphasized the bullpen’s pivotal role in victory. The Cubs used 13 different relievers over the six-game trip, with Vince Velasquez designated for assignment to accommodate Wicks.
Counsell declined to criticize Bregman for reduced speed on a grounder that led to a crucial out. The Cubs trust their bullpen and believe they can compete regardless of streaks, needing continued wins to regain peak form from May.