MILWAUKEE — Despite significant roster challenges, the Chicago Cubs secured a hard-fought 5-4 victory over the Milwaukee Brewers in a tense 10-inning game at American Family Field on Sunday. The win gave the Cubs a series victory, taking two out of three games against the division-leading Brewers.
The game’s dramatic conclusion saw emergency call-up pitcher Jordan Wicks, who entered with a 15.63 ERA and bases loaded with no outs, hold his nerve to record the final outs. After allowing a bases-loaded walk to Garrett Mitchell, Wicks retired Jake Bauers on a shallow fly and induced Gary Sanchez into a double play to end the game.
“It shows the toughness of this group, the competitive spirit, the willingness to fight,” Cubs shortstop Dansby Swanson said. “That’s what it takes to be good in this league, that’s what it takes to beat a good team like them and that’s what it takes to be able to build off the confidence in winning.”
The Cubs’ bullpen, shorthanded due to injuries, was extensively tested. Relievers Ryan Rolison, Bryse Wilson, Caleb Thielbar, Tyler Ferguson, Jacob Webb, Ethan Roberts, and Wicks combined to cover the entire game. Wilson’s 4⅓ innings of effective relief were particularly notable, especially as only Thielbar and Webb were part of the Opening Day roster.
Chicago’s offense was boosted by a crucial two-out, two-run single from Seiya Suzuki in the 10th inning, which helped break a 3-3 tie. Despite the final outcome, the Cubs’ lineup, including key players Pete Crow-Armstrong, Alex Bregman, Michael Busch, Ian Happ, and Swanson, struggled overall at the plate during the series, going a combined 9-for-104 (.086) in six games against Milwaukee.
The Cubs remain 5½ games behind the Brewers in the National League Central, with both teams vying to claim the division for a fourth consecutive season for Milwaukee. The Brewers’ dominance this season is reflected in their 50-31 record, second only to the Los Angeles Dodgers in the majors for best overall record and run differential.
Milwaukee continues to hold a 4-2 advantage in the head-to-head series, including a three-game sweep at Wrigley Field in May. The Cubs’ inconsistency at the plate in these matchups has been a significant factor. With seven games remaining against the Brewers later in the season, Chicago’s ability to reverse this trend could prove pivotal.
“There’s still a lot of season left,” said Michael Busch, downplaying the challenge. “They’re a good team, but we know how good we can be. It’s more of a battle.”
Manager Craig Counsell described the game as “fun,” but emphasized the team’s focus now shifts toward upcoming matchups. Meanwhile, the Cubs aim to leverage the momentum from a 6-1 road trip, which included this critical series win, to sustain their pursuit of playoff contention despite ongoing roster difficulties.