Mark Hoffman / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Cubs give up a run on awful defensive blunder

Originally posted on Larry Brown Sports | By Grey Papke | Last updated Oct 8, 2025 6:19 PM ET

The Chicago Cubs were facing elimination on Wednesday against the Milwaukee Brewers, and they did not get off to a good start in their decisive Game 3.

Trailing 2-0 in the National League Division Series, the Cubs came out flat at Wrigley Field in Chicago, Il. A double and a walk put runners at first and second with one out, but pitcher Jameson Taillon appeared to make a big pitch to induce a popup off the bat of Brewers catcher William Contreras.

There was just one problem: nobody saw the popup off the bat, and it managed to fall on the infield for a single to load the bases.

The Cubs let this pop up fall and the bases are loaded pic.twitter.com/0aXllLtEso
— Talkin’ Baseball (@TalkinBaseball_) October 8, 2025

It was immediately clear that none of the infielders had a look at the ball when it went straight up. First baseman Michael Busch can be seen throwing his arms out in confusion. A combination of shadows and wind made the situation even more precarious for the players.

Taillon was able to bail his teammates out by allowing nothing more than a sacrifice fly. The offense also woke up by scoring four runs in the bottom of the first inning, which essentially neutralized the mistake.

It has not been a great NLDS for the Cubs on any front so far, as the team has been criticized for some of their strategic choices as well. It has not yet cost them the series, but they cannot really afford to make more mistakes like this.

This article first appeared on Larry Brown Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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