Brewers Crush Cubs in Explosive Game 1, Chourio Makes History Before Injury as Counsell’s Return Sparks Emotional Showdown 

The Milwaukee Brewers, spurred on by a raucous home crowd and pre-game comments from their old skipper, unleashed a torrent of offense to bury the Chicago Cubs 9-3 on Saturday in Game 1 of the National League Division Series.

The game started with a bang for the Cubs when Michael Busch launched a solo homer on just the third pitch. But the Brewers, whom Counsell had quipped “don’t swing,” responded with a ferocity that felt deeply personal. They battered Chicago pitching for six runs in the first inning and another three in the second, effectively putting the game out of reach before it had truly begun. The sell-out crowd, a sea of towel-waving fans, reveled in every hit, leaving no doubt that this was Brewers territory.

While the Brewers’ bats stole the headlines, starter Freddy Peralta delivered a commanding performance on the mound. After the early home run, he settled in to strike out nine Cubs over 5 ⅔ innings, earning the win and quieting any hopes of a Chicago comeback. The victory gives Milwaukee a crucial 1-0 lead in the best-of-five series, putting the pressure squarely on Counsell’s Cubs to respond.

Seven Key Takeaways: Big Lead Keeps Huge Brewers Crowd Fired Up From the Start  

1. The Brewers’ offensive onslaught was a direct, emphatic rebuttal to Craig Counsell’s pre-series jab that his former team “don’t swing.” They came out swinging, and swinging, and swinging some more, batting around in the first inning. The three consecutive doubles to start the bottom of the first by Jackson Chourio, Brice Turang, and William Contreras were a clear statement that this team was motivated by more than just a playoff win; they were playing with a chip on their shoulder.
2. Jackson Chourio was on a historic tear before his night was cut short. The 21-year-old phenom became the first player in MLB postseason history to record three hits in the first two innings of a game. His night included a leadoff double, a two-run single, and an RBI infield single. “He’s getting the MRI right now. Obviously, it’s real scary,” Murphy said after the win. “Having that same hamstring injury to the same leg, we’re hoping that it’s something he can come back from soon.”
3. Freddy Peralta was the steady hand Milwaukee needed on the mound. After surrendering a leadoff home run, “Fastball Freddy” was practically untouchable. He navigated the potent Cubs lineup with precision, striking out nine and allowing just four hits over 5 ⅔ innings. His ability to bounce back immediately and shut down the Cubs’ offense was instrumental, allowing his own team’s bats to build an insurmountable lead.
4. For the Cubs, the starting pitching was a nightmare. Matthew Boyd recorded only two outs, getting shelled for four hits and six runs (two earned) before being pulled. His replacement, Michael Soroka, didn’t fare much better, allowing the Brewers to load the bases and extend the lead. The early collapse put an immense strain on the bullpen, with Aaron Civale being called upon for a heroic 4⅓ scoreless innings just to stop the bleeding.
5. The atmosphere at American Family Field was electric and decidedly anti-Counsell. From the moment he was introduced, the boos were deafening. Any thought that Cubs fans might create a “Wrigley Field North” environment was quickly dispelled. The home crowd was a major factor, fueling the Brewers’ early rally and creating an intimidating environment that the Cubs couldn’t overcome.
6. Despite the lopsided score, the Cubs’ power was on display, albeit in small bursts. All three of their runs came via solo home runs from Michael Busch, Ian Happ, and Nico Hoerner. While not enough to make a difference in this game, it’s a reminder that their lineup can strike at any moment, a fact the Brewers’ pitching staff will have to respect for the remainder of the series.
7. The unsung hero for the Cubs was reliever Aaron Civale. Entering a 9-1 game in the second inning is a thankless task, but Civale delivered 4⅓ scoreless innings, saving the rest of the bullpen from further exhaustion. His performance was crucial in a series where bullpen depth will be tested, giving the Cubs a fighting chance in the games to come.