In a lopsided start to the National League Division Series, the Milwaukee Brewers dismantled the Chicago Cubs 9-3 on Saturday afternoon at American Family Field. The Brewers, seeded first in the NL Central, wasted no time asserting dominance, exploding for six runs in the first inning alone. Brice Turang set the tone early with a sharp single that ignited the rally, while the Cubs' pitching staff, led by Ben Brown, struggled to contain the onslaught. Indeed, Milwaukee added three more in the second, leaving Chicago fans stunned and the series outlook suddenly grim.
The game, broadcast on ESPN and streamed via various MLB platforms, drew massive viewership for this heated rivalry matchup. For those wondering what channel the Cubs game was on today, it was the network's marquee slot at 2:08 p.m. ET. Cubs manager Craig Counsell, facing his former team after leaving Milwaukee last offseason, watched helplessly as his squad managed just three runs on scattered hits. Ian Happ contributed a solo homer in the fifth, offering a brief spark, but it couldn't stem the tide. However, the Brewers' bullpen held firm after starter Freddy Peralta's solid outing, sealing the victory without much drama.
Pre-series predictions had favored a tighter contest, with experts split on whether the Cubs' momentum from their Wild Card win over San Diego would carry over. Yet, Milwaukee's balanced attack—featuring Turang's speed and timely hitting—proved too much. The Cubs, meanwhile, looked disjointed from the outset, their defense faltering on key plays. Moreover, injuries loomed as a concern, with whispers of strain in the rotation heading into Game 2 on Monday.
Indeed, this blowout raises questions about Chicago's resilience in a best-of-five format. As the series shifts, both teams will recalibrate, but the Brewers' confidence is palpably high now.