"The Cubs got just enough offense on Wednesday, their most in a postseason game since 2017, to outlast the Brewers and push the series to a fourth game. They might want to consider scoring after the opening frame tonight to get this thing back to Milwaukee, but it won't matter much if the pitching can't hold serve. That starts with Matthew Boyd, who is back on the bump after a disastrous Game 1 appearance."
"Unlike that outing, however, the lefty is coming into this game on regular rest. That means Craig Counsell won't have to provide any flimsy rationale. In addition to that extra day off, Boyd should get a bump from pitching at home. His 2.51 ERA in 15 starts at Wrigley is significantly better than his 3.90 mark over 16 road games, and he held the Padres at bay over 4.1 innings in the Wild Card opener."
The Cubs produced their most postseason offense since 2017 to extend the series to a fourth game. The club needs more consistent scoring after the first inning to shift the series back to Milwaukee, but pitching remains the decisive factor. Matthew Boyd returns to start on regular rest after a poor Game 1, and his strong home numbers include a 2.51 ERA in 15 Wrigley starts versus a 3.90 road mark. Wrigley winds are expected to blow out to left around 8 mph, which could aid hitters against a left-hander. The Cubs lineup features Michael Busch, Nico Hoerner, Kyle Tucker, Seiya Suzuki, Ian Happ, Carson Kelly, Pete Crow-Armstrong, Dansby Swanson, and Matt Shaw. The Brewers counter with ace Freddy Peralta, who allowed two solo homers and struck out nine over 5.2 innings in his previous postseason start against Boyd.
Read at Cubsinsider
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