Cubs NLDS Opener: Chicago Falls 9-3 After Brewers’ Early Surge

The Chicago Cubs dropped Game 1 of the National League Division Series (NLDS) to the Milwaukee Brewers on Saturday night, losing 9-3 after a disastrous first two innings. Despite an early spark from Michael Busch’s leadoff home run, the Cubs were quickly overwhelmed by Milwaukee’s bats at American Family Field.

The defeat puts the Cubs down 0-1 in the best-of-five series, raising the stakes for Game 2 on Monday night. Manager Craig Counsell’s club will now need to regroup and find stability on the mound to avoid falling into a dangerous 0-2 hole.

Brewers Dominate Early and Stun the Cubs

Chicago opened the night on a high note when Michael Busch crushed a solo home run to right field to give the Cubs a 1-0 lead. However, the Brewers immediately countered with an explosive bottom of the first inning. Brice Turang and William Contreras delivered back-to-back RBI doubles to flip the score to 2-1. A fielding error by second baseman Nico Hoerner extended Milwaukee’s lead to 3-1, followed by Blake Perkins’ RBI single that forced starter Matthew Boyd out after recording just two outs.

The trouble didn’t stop there. Jackson Chourio broke the game open with a two-run double off reliever Michael Soroka, giving Milwaukee a commanding 6-1 lead after just one inning. The Brewers added three more runs in the second, powered by a two-run single from Caleb Durbin and another RBI knock from Chourio. By the end of two innings, Chicago faced a daunting 9-1 deficit.

Boyd, who was pitching on short rest, was tagged with the loss. He allowed six runs (only two earned) on four hits with one strikeout and one walk. The bullpen steadied afterward, with Aaron Civale throwing 4.1 shutout innings and striking out three, giving Chicago a chance to preserve arms for the rest of the series.

Chicago’s Late Bats Not Enough to Recover

The Cubs tried to chip away at the deficit but couldn’t build momentum. Ian Happ provided a solo home run in the sixth inning, and Nico Hoerner added another in the eighth, but the offense stalled beyond those moments. Chicago ended the game with just six hits, three of which were solo homers.

Milwaukee’s pitching staff handled the lead efficiently, holding Chicago scoreless outside of the three long balls. The Brewers’ bullpen kept the Cubs off the bases in key spots, limiting any chance of a comeback. The early outburst proved to be enough to cruise to a Game 1 victory and seize control of the series.

What’s Next in the Cubs’ NLDS Run

Game 2 is set for Monday night in Milwaukee at 8:08 PM CDT. Chicago will aim to bounce back and avoid going down 0-2 in the series. The Cubs’ pitching decision for Game 2 will be critical after using multiple bullpen arms early on Saturday. Milwaukee, meanwhile, will look to ride its offensive momentum and put Chicago on the brink of elimination.

The Cubs entered the 2025 postseason with momentum but now face early adversity. If Chicago can’t stabilize its starting pitching and produce timely offense, their NLDS hopes could fade quickly against a confident Brewers squad.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: What was the score of Cubs vs Brewers Game 1 in the NLDS?

The Brewers beat the Cubs 9-3 in Game 1 after a dominant first two innings.

Q2: Who hit home runs for the Cubs in the NLDS opener?

Michael Busch, Ian Happ, and Nico Hoerner each hit solo home runs.

Q3: Who pitched for the Cubs in Game 1 of the NLDS?

Matthew Boyd started but lasted only two-thirds of an inning. Aaron Civale provided 4.1 shutout innings in relief.

Q4: When is Game 2 of the Cubs vs Brewers NLDS series?

Game 2 will be played on Monday night at 8:08 PM CDT in Milwaukee.

Q5: How many games are in the NLDS series?

The NLDS is a best-of-five series. The first team to win three games advances.