Cubs Brace for High-Stakes Game 3 Against the Red-Hot Brewers
The Chicago Cubs find themselves in a precarious position as they prepare to host the Milwaukee Brewers for a critical Game 3 of the National League Division Series. With their season hanging in the balance, the Cubs must rally against a Brewers team that has surged to prominence in the second half of the season.
A Historic Parallel
The atmosphere surrounding Wednesday’s matchup echoes memories of the Cubs’ past playoff encounters. In 1984, the Cubs faced a similar predicament against the San Diego Padres in the National League Championship Series, dropping the first two games at home only to see their postseason hopes extinguished in San Diego. The stakes are just as high now, as the Cubs look to stave off elimination against a formidable Brewers squad that has demonstrated its offensive prowess in the first two games of this series.
Cubs’ Offensive Struggles
While the Cubs’ offense has shown flashes of brilliance this season, it has not been consistent enough to keep pace with the Brewers. In the first two games, Chicago has struggled to find its rhythm at the plate, with the Brewers effectively exploiting weaknesses in the Cubs’ pitching staff. Historically, only ten teams have managed to overcome a 2-0 deficit in a best-of-five series, and the Cubs hope to etch their name into that exclusive list by the weekend.
Game Details and Viewing Options
Game Day: Wednesday, October 8
Time: 4:08 p.m. CT
Where: Wrigley Field, Chicago
Watch: TBS/HBO Max
Listen: 670 The Score, WRTO 1200 (Cubs)
Probable Pitchers
Cubs: Jameson Taillon
The Cubs will rely on right-hander Jameson Taillon to keep their postseason hopes alive. Taillon has shown promise in his playoff appearance thus far, having shut down the San Diego Padres in Game 3 of the NL Wild Card series. Over four innings, he allowed only two hits and struck out four batters, a performance the Cubs will hope to replicate in a must-win situation. During the regular season, Taillon finished with an 11-7 record and a 3.68 ERA, proving his mettle as a solid starter.
Brewers: Quinn Priester
On the other side, the Brewers will counter with Quinn Priester, a former first-round draft pick who has blossomed into a key player for Milwaukee. Priester enjoyed a breakthrough season, posting a 13-3 record with a 3.32 ERA over 24 starts. He enters the game well-rested and ready to leverage his career-high 157.1 innings pitched to help secure his team’s place in the next round.
NLDS Series Overview
Game 1: Brewers 9, Cubs 3
Game 2: Brewers 7, Cubs 3
Current Series Lead: Brewers lead 2-0
Upcoming Games:
– Game 4: Thursday, 8:08 PM CT, TBS/HBO Max (if necessary)
– Game 5: Saturday, 3:38 PM CT, TBS/HBO Max (if necessary)
As the Cubs step up to the plate on Wednesday, they not only face a formidable opponent but also the weight of their storied history. With their backs against the wall, the team will strive for a pivotal victory to keep their championship dreams alive.
