(670 The Score) Game 1 of the National League Division Series quickly turned into a nightmare for the Cubs.
After the Cubs took an early 1-0 lead on first baseman Michael Busch’s lead-off homer, the Brewers responded with six runs in the bottom of the first inning and three more in the second inning to roll to a 9-3 win Saturday afternoon at American Family Field.
The Brewers hammered Cubs left-hander Matthew Boyd, who was starting on three days rest after throwing 58 pitches Tuesday, with back-to-back-back doubles to open the bottom of the first. A fielding error by Cubs second baseman Nico Hoerner with one out directly plated a Brewers run and led to four of the six runs that Boyd allowed being unearned. Boyd registered just two outs, giving up four hits and a walk while striking out one.
Right-hander Michael Soroka relieved him, but he couldn’t get out of the second inning while giving up three earned runs. Right-hander Aaron Civale and right-hander Ben Brown covered the rest of the game for the Cubs, whose top relievers will be fully rested for a crucial Game 2 on Monday after the off day Sunday.
Cubs left fielder Ian Happ hit a solo homer in the sixth inning, and Hoerner hit a solo shot in the eighth. Brewers ace Freddy Peralta had a solid outing, logging 5 2/3 innings and allowing two runs, both earned, on four hits while striking out nine batters and walking three.
First pitch of Game 2 is set for 8:08 p.m. CT on Monday in Milwaukee. The game can be heard on 670 The Score and the Audacy app, with pregame coverage starting at 7:30 p.m.