A 9–3 gut punch can turn a fanbase into a furnace. We felt it too. Instead of yelling into the wind, we unpack what actually went wrong, why one rotation decision stole the Cubs’ margin for error against a relentlessly patient Brewers lineup, and how we turn that frustration into a smarter Game 2. No scapegoats, no mythology—just cause, effect, and the best path forward.
We start where the night bent: Matt Boyd on short rest versus a lineup that thrives on line-drive contact and seven-pitch at-bats. With the bullpen rested and multiple off days baked into the schedule, the bullpen-first plan was sitting there. We lay out the alternative blueprint—Colin Rea for 12–15 outs, then a prepared relief ladder—to protect contact quality and keep Taillon lined up as a Wrigley weapon. Along the way, we kill the Nico error narrative, spotlight the real silver linings (Michael Busch setting tone, Peralta stretched to 95 pitches), and explain the lineup tweak that blunted Milwaukee’s ability to stack their lefties.
If you’re wondering about Shota, we dig into his recent form and why giving him a full turn—and a real bullpen to rediscover life on the splitter and ride on the four-seam—beats forcing tired-arm precision against a team that refuses to chase. We also talk Pat Murphy’s clubhouse aura and how to counter it: win the contact war early, control the running game, and trade “hero swings” for disciplined gap work that builds innings instead of hoping for lightning.
The loss stung; the series is very much alive. We’ve got a clean map to steal one before Wrigley and tilt this thing back our way. If you’re a Cubs fan who wants less rage and more reason—plus a plan that fits the roster you actually have—this one’s for you. Tap play, share it with a friend who needs the reset, and if you value the show, drop a review to help us keep building.
Thanks for tuning in!
- Carl & Mahoney
