The Milwaukee Brewers secured a commanding 9-3 victory over the Chicago Cubs in Game 1 of the National League Division Series (NLDS) on October 7, 2023. This win gives the Brewers a 1-0 lead in the best-of-five playoff series. Milwaukee’s offensive explosion in the first inning set the tone for the match, as they scored six runs and sent 11 batters to the plate, forcing Cubs’ starting pitcher Matt Boyd out of the game after just one inning.
Boyd’s performance marked a historic low point for the Cubs, as it was the shortest postseason start for a Chicago pitcher since the 1945 World Series. The left-handed All-Star was on short rest, having pitched only three days prior. His struggles left the Cubs in a deep hole early in the game.
In contrast, Aaron Civale, who was acquired from the Brewers earlier this season, provided a glimmer of hope for Chicago by pitching 4.1 innings in relief. This effort helped the Cubs avoid an even more extensive use of their bullpen. Despite this, the team could only muster three runs, all coming from solo home runs by Nico Hoerner, Ian Happ, and Michael Busch. The lack of runners on base during these home runs ultimately limited the Cubs’ ability to close the gap.
The Brewers’ offensive onslaught was highlighted by the impressive performance of rookie Jackson Chourio, who left the game in the second inning due to a hamstring injury. Chourio had a standout start, going 3 for 3 and driving in three runs, making him the first player to record three hits in the first two innings of a postseason game. His contributions included a leadoff double and a two-run single during Milwaukee’s early offensive surge.
The injury occurred after Chourio hit a bases-loaded grounder that resulted in an RBI single, extending the Brewers’ lead to 9-1. Following a visit from manager Pat Murphy and head athletic trainer Brad Epstein, Chourio exited the game, raising concerns about the same hamstring he had strained earlier this season. Murphy expressed his apprehensions during the TBS telecast, stating, “It’s scary… we’re worried about it. It’s really unfortunate.”
Chourio’s injury adds to the challenges for the Brewers as they prepare for Game 2 of the series, scheduled for Monday night. As the playoffs continue, the Brewers will look to maintain their momentum while hoping for a quick recovery for their promising young player.
