What's Happening?
The Chicago Cubs have announced that left-handed pitcher Matthew Boyd will start Game 1 of their National League Division Series against the Milwaukee Brewers. This decision comes just four days after Boyd pitched in the Cubs' wild-card series victory over the San Diego Padres. Boyd, who is 34 years old, threw 58 pitches over 4⅓ innings in the Cubs' 3-1 win against the Padres. He will face Brewers ace Freddy Peralta as the two division rivals compete for a spot in the National League Championship Series. The matchup is notable not only for the teams' proximity but also because of the history between Cubs manager Craig Counsell and the Brewers. Counsell, a Wisconsin native, managed the Brewers for nine seasons before joining the Cubs in 2024. Under his leadership, the Cubs have reached the postseason as the top wild-card team, while the Brewers have won two consecutive division titles under new manager Pat Murphy.
Why It's Important?
This series is significant as it highlights the competitive rivalry between the Cubs and the Brewers, two teams with passionate fan bases and a history of close contests. The outcome of this series could have implications for both teams' future strategies and management decisions. For the Cubs, advancing past the Brewers would validate their decision to hire Counsell and could boost team morale and fan support. For the Brewers, defeating a former manager who is now with a rival team would reinforce their recent success under Murphy's leadership. Additionally, the series could impact player evaluations and future roster decisions for both teams, as postseason performance often influences off-season moves.
What's Next?
The series is expected to be closely contested, with both teams having won and lost against each other during the regular season. The Brewers won the division by five games, but the Cubs took the season series 7-6. Fans can anticipate a charged atmosphere, especially with Counsell's return to Milwaukee, where he has been routinely booed by Brewers fans. The outcome of this series will determine which team advances to the National League Championship Series, bringing them one step closer to the World Series.
Beyond the Headlines
The personal history between Counsell and Murphy adds an intriguing layer to the series. Both have a long-standing relationship, having worked together for years, and Murphy even managed Counsell during his college baseball days. This dynamic could influence the strategies and interactions between the teams. Additionally, the series serves as a reminder of the emotional and professional complexities involved when managers and players face their former teams.
