Cubs Edge Brewers 6-5 in Divisional Series Tiebreaker
The Chicago Cubs and Milwaukee Brewers engaged in a thrilling battle on Saturday, with the Cubs emerging victorious 6-5 to tie their first divisional series of the year at one apiece.
Nico Hoerner set the tone early with his first career lead-off home run, while Christopher Morel continued his hot streak with his third homer in as many games. Patrick Wisdom also joined the home run party, sending one into the stands to give the Cubs a 4-0 lead after six strong innings from starter Jameson Taillon.
However, the Brewers refused to go down without a fight. Rhys Hoskins drew a walk off Keegan Thompson, who replaced Taillon, and Oliver Dunn followed with a triple to bring Hoskins home. Blake Perkins then homered to cut the deficit to 4-3.
Milwaukee continued to chip away in the eighth inning. Jackson Chourio singled, and Mark Leiter Jr. allowed a double to Sal Frelick. A throwing error by Mike Tauchman allowed Chourio to score, making it 4-5.
The Cubs responded in the bottom of the inning with an RBI single from Wisdom, sending Michael Busch home from third. Héctor Neris came in to pitch the ninth inning and walked Perkins, but an RBI single by William Contreras brought the Brewers within one again.
With the winning run on second, Tyler Black grounded into a forceout to end the game, sealing Neris’ sixth save of the season.
Taillon’s impressive outing included two hits, two walks, and seven strikeouts over six innings. Tobias Myers took the loss for the Brewers, allowing four runs on three hits and four walks over three innings.