UPDATE: The Milwaukee Brewers have taken a commanding 2-0 lead in the NL Division Series, defeating the Chicago Cubs 7-3 on October 9, 2023. This victory propels them one win away from the National League Championship Series, with the next game set for Wednesday at Wrigley Field.
In an electrifying performance, Andrew Vaughn and Jackson Chourio each launched a three-run homer, marking the first time in Brewers postseason history two three-run homers were hit in a single game. William Contreras added a crucial solo shot that broke a 3-all tie in the third inning, solidifying Milwaukee’s dominance.
This win is especially significant as teams with a 2-0 series lead in best-of-five postseason matchups have triumphed 80 out of 90 times, with 54 sweeps recorded. The Brewers are eager to secure their first postseason series victory since 2018, when they reached Game 7 of the NLCS.
The Cubs initially threatened with a powerful 440-foot three-run homer from Seiya Suzuki in the first inning, but the Brewers’ pitching staff quickly regained control. After an initial rocky start from Aaron Ashby, who opened the game, the bullpen stepped up with an impressive performance.
A combination of pitchers including Nick Mears, Jacob Misiorowski, and Jared Koenig delivered 7 1/3 innings of shutout relief, allowing only one hit. Misiorowski, who earned the win, dazzled fans by hitting 100 mph on 31 of his 57 pitches, even reaching a blistering 104.3 mph.
Cubs manager Craig Counsell acknowledged his team’s struggles, stating, “We didn’t put enough pressure on them… That’s going to add up to a lot of zeroes.” The Cubs were unable to capitalize on two critical at-bats with runners in scoring position, further compounding their difficulties.
The Brewers’ offensive prowess was evident as they became the first team in playoff history to achieve multiple three-run homers in the first inning. Vaughn’s hit tied the game early, showcasing the Brewers’ ability to respond under pressure. After Contreras’ homer in the third, Chourio followed suit with a 419-foot blast, reinforcing the Brewers’ offensive strength.
Chourio’s return to the lineup was pivotal after he left Game 1 due to hamstring tightness. He previously made history by being the first player to record three hits in the first two innings of a postseason game.
As the Brewers prepare for Game 3 on Wednesday, anticipation builds among fans and players alike. With the potential to clinch the series, Milwaukee is poised for a historic postseason run. Fans will be eagerly watching to see if the Brewers can advance to the NLCS, aiming to break their postseason drought.
Stay tuned for further updates as this thrilling series unfolds!
