What is the story about?
What's Happening?
Former Milwaukee Brewers manager Craig Counsell is now leading the Chicago Cubs into the National League Division Series (NLDS) against his former team. The Cubs secured their spot in the NLDS after a 3-1 victory over the San Diego Padres in the wild-card round. Counsell, who managed the Brewers for nine seasons, has not yet announced the Cubs' starting pitcher for Game 1. The Brewers, who have been idle since securing the No. 1 seed, will start ace Freddy Peralta. The Brewers are aiming to break their playoff drought, having not won a series since 2018. The Cubs and Brewers, Central Division rivals, are set to face off in a highly anticipated matchup.
Why It's Important?
This matchup is significant as it pits Craig Counsell against his former team, adding an intriguing narrative to the series. The Brewers, with a franchise-record 97 victories, are considered strong contenders for the World Series. However, the Cubs, under Counsell's leadership, have shown resilience and strategic prowess, making them formidable opponents. The outcome of this series could impact the dynamics of the Central Division and set the tone for future encounters between these teams. For the Brewers, advancing past the NLDS would mark a significant achievement, while the Cubs aim to continue their postseason success.
What's Next?
The series will begin with Game 1, where the Brewers' Freddy Peralta will likely face either Colin Rea or Javier Assad from the Cubs. The Brewers have home-field advantage, which could play a crucial role in the series. Both teams will need to strategize effectively, considering their familiarity with each other's strengths and weaknesses. The performance of key players like Peralta and the Cubs' bullpen will be critical in determining the series outcome. Fans and analysts will be closely watching how Counsell's experience with the Brewers influences his strategy against them.
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