Pete Crow-Armstrong’s impressive season has not been matched against the Milwaukee Brewers. Entering Monday’s game, he held a .108 average with a .422 OPS against their pitching. Over his career, his numbers were slightly better, with a .164 average and .620 OPS.
“We’re lucky,” Brewers manager Pat Murphy shared before a 4-3 Brewers victory at American Family Field. Despite Crow-Armstrong’s overall excellence, including his defense and base running, Murphy noted, “He’s played well against us.”
On Monday, Crow-Armstrong hit a home run and stole two bases, chasing a 40-40 season. However, the Brewers’ tight gameplay prevailed. Cubs pitcher Matthew Boyd threw during the sixth inning. The Brewers took an eighth-inning lead thanks to Jackson Chourio’s two-run single off Ryan Zeferjahn, leading to a three-run inning. Crow-Armstrong’s 41st home run gave hope with two outs in the ninth, but Chourio’s defense ended the game.
The Brewers’ magic number for a postseason berth reduced to four, and their number to clinch the Central is now 10. The Cubs also dropped behind the Phillies for the first wild-card spot, affecting their home-field advantage.
“I haven’t even really looked at the standings,” Cubs third baseman Alex Bregman mentioned. Their goal remains winning the next game and maintaining that focus.
Bregman’s late single gave the Cubs a lead, with Boyd performing well until manager Craig Counsell made a rare move, keeping Boyd in for the eighth. After Boyd allowed a walk and a double, he was replaced by Zeferjahn. Chourio capitalized with a key hit, marking the Cubs’ 24th blown save of the season.
The Brewers currently lead the Cubs 7-4 in their season series, diminishing the Cubs’ division-winning chances. “We still have two important games,” Boyd stated.
Crow-Armstrong’s two steals on Monday took his tally to 35 for the year. Counsell commented on Crow-Armstrong’s chance to join the 40-40 club, “I encourage him to take the right risks.” Individual goals are secondary to the team’s success.
Every game gains importance as the Cubs aim for the postseason. Monday’s decision to keep Boyd in the game indicates Counsell’s determination to avoid the struggling bullpen. The Brewers aim for a first-round bye, though some young starters are reaching career high innings.
“They don’t know any better,” Murphy said regarding young pitchers managing innings. His focus remains on the opportunity and learning as the Brewers gear up for playoffs.
Leave a Reply