Cubs’ Game 2 Plan After NLDS Blowout Loss in Milwaukee

The Chicago Cubs took a tough 9-3 defeat in Game 1 of the NLDS against the Milwaukee Brewers. Still, their clubhouse vibe feels focused and unshaken.

With the series heading into a pivotal Game 2, players and coaches keep talking about resilience and preparation. Even after an early collapse that left them in a deep hole, there are some bright spots—especially the bullpen’s strong outing, which might matter a lot as the series rolls on.

Cubs’ Early Lead Vanishes After First-Inning Meltdown

Chicago actually started off hot against Milwaukee. Michael Busch blasted a leadoff home run, giving the Cubs a 1-0 lead.

For a second, the momentum felt real. Then the bottom of the first hit—hard.

An error, followed by some sharp Brewers hitting, let Milwaukee pour on six runs. Suddenly, the Cubs were playing catch-up all night.

Errors Prove Costly in October Baseball

October baseball doesn’t forgive mistakes. The Cubs saw that up close when their first-inning defensive slip let Milwaukee’s offense take over early.

Infielder Nico Hoerner admitted the frustration. He said the sting of defeat is real, but the team’s mindset isn’t changing as they look ahead.

Veteran Voices Preach Perspective

Postseason baseball is about quick mental resets, isn’t it? Cubs shortstop Dansby Swanson brought that veteran vibe, telling teammates that one loss is just one game, no matter the score.

He wants everyone to treat it like a reset, not a disaster.

Counsell’s Steady Hand Guides the Response

Manager Craig Counsell agrees. He’s all about sticking to the game plan, even now.

Counsell knows winning three of the next four is the challenge. He praised the team’s composure and called the bullpen’s work a bright spot in a rough night.

Relievers Deliver Crucial Rest

After things went sideways early, the Cubs’ pitching staff could’ve fallen apart. Instead, Aaron Civale and Ben Brown teamed up for 6.1 scoreless innings.

Their effort stopped the bleeding and gave the rest of the bullpen a chance to recover from the wild-card grind.

Happ Points to Bullpen’s Importance

Outfielder Ian Happ stressed how huge that recovery time could be as the series continues. With relievers getting a breather, the Cubs can use their full pitching crew in the next games.

In the postseason, having fresh arms might decide everything.

Boyd’s Potential Role in Game 4

There’s another upside from Game 1: starter Matthew Boyd threw just 30 pitches. That means Boyd could be ready for Game 4 on regular rest.

It gives Chicago an experienced option if things get tense later in the series.

Sunday’s Optional Workout Sets the Tone

The Cubs went with a light, optional workout on Sunday. Players got a chance to recharge before Monday night’s big Game 2.

The goal is clear—tie up the series and bring some momentum back to Wrigley Field.

Key Takeaways for the Series

Game 1 turned into a humbling reminder of the Brewers’ offensive firepower. Still, it spotlighted Chicago’s mental toughness and their knack for strategic patience.

Postseason success? It’s not just about the adversity, but how teams answer back when things go sideways.

• Fast start overshadowed by defensive mistakes — Early errors can flip a game in a heartbeat.
• Veteran leadership steadying the ship — Swanson and Counsell keep things calm when chaos hits.
• Relief pitching as a difference-maker — Civale and Brown threw scoreless innings, keeping the bullpen fresh.
• Rotation flexibility ahead — Boyd’s ready for Game 4, which gives the Cubs some extra options.
• Mindset remains intact — The Cubs aren’t letting one loss rattle their plans for the rest of the series.

Monday night’s Game 2 is a shot for the Cubs to show that resilience and preparation can erase memories of a rough opener. October baseball is just as much mental as physical, right? If Chicago can lean into the silver linings from Game 1, they’ve still got a real shot at this series.

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Here is the source article for this story: What comes next for Cubs after blowout NLDS-opening loss in Milwaukee?