The Brewers delivered a resounding 9-3 victory over the Cubs, marking their first meeting of the season with a familiar display of power. This win saw them inflict a heavy defeat on Cubs starter Shota Imanaga.
The Brewers’ performance brought back memories of their previous encounters last October when they knocked out the Cubs.
Imanaga Struggles Against Brewers’ Offense
Shota Imanaga struggled, allowing four runs and two homers in Game 2 of the NL Division Series. Monday’s game was even more challenging for the Japanese southpaw, as he was tagged for eight runs and nine hits. This included two home runs off the right-field video board. He lasted 4 ⅓ innings.
Manager Craig Counsell acknowledged Imanaga’s struggles. “Shota just didn’t have a good night,” Counsell said, adding that Imanaga “just didn’t have real good command — the command that he usually has… It was, frankly, not being able to put the ball where he wanted to put it.”
Imanaga stated, through an interpreter, “Overall, their game plan overcame my skills.”
Cubs Aim to Overcome Brewers’ Dominance
Cubs outfielder Ian Happ downplayed the significance of the series. “But early in the season — I know there’s going to be a lot made of this series — it’s another series of baseball,” Happ said before the game.
Craig Counsell acknowledged the Brewers’ recent success. “The Brewers are the team that’s won the division for the last three years — that’s what we want to do,” Counsell said. “Last year, they beat us, and they had a fabulous season. We’ve got to improve to get there.”
Maton’s Struggles in Cubs Bullpen
Reliever Phil Maton, a significant addition to the Cubs’ bullpen, has faced challenges. Maton coughed up the go-ahead three-run homer in the eighth inning of the Cubs’ loss to the White Sox. It was the sixth time in 14 appearances this season he has allowed more than one run.
Maton’s two-year, $14.5 million contract makes him the highest-paid member of the relief corps. He has a 9.49 ERA midway through his second month as a Cub.
“I’m incredibly frustrated,” Maton said. “You’re brought over here, and there’s a lot of responsibility to not only pitch well but get the game going in the right direction. And I feel there’s been lots of situations
Jake Bauers hit a three-run home run in the fifth inning.
Even with the Cubs’ offseason spending and World Series goals, it was still Brewers on top.