Mets Series Wrap-up, Busch and Morel Growing Pains, and This Weekends Brewer Matchup!

The Leadoff Man

Hello Cubs Superfan! Today we dive deep into the heart-stopping series finale against the Mets, assess the progress and challenges of our young stars, and prep for the upcoming battle against the division-leading Brewers. This weekend promises drama, development, and maybe a few delightful surprises as our Cubs take on these crucial games at Wrigley. Let's gear up and get into the details!

This Time The Mets Win the Play at the Plate

Late-Inning Drama Ends in Heartbreak for Cubs at Citi Field

What a game that was at Citi Field—truly a whirlwind of emotions from start to finish. It’s the kind of game that epitomizes why we love baseball: unexpected turns, heroic plays, and, yes, those heartbreak moments we wish we could rewrite.

Our standout moment was undoubtedly Christopher Morel's electrifying three-run homer in the 5th. Morel, with his knack for timely hits, sent the ball sailing into left field, bringing in Nico Hoerner and Ian Happ. Our lead surged to 4-0, and for a brief, shining moment, it felt like victory was in the bag with our win probability peaking at an impressive 89.2%.

However, as often happens in the unpredictable world of baseball, the tides turned. A series of plays, beginning with an unfortunate error by our own Keegan Thompson in the 6th, slowly unraveled our lead. The Mets, seizing on our missteps, rallied back to a 5-5 tie.

The game stretched into extra innings, turning each pitch into a heart-stopper. Both teams dug deep, pitchers dueled valiantly, but it was the Mets who finally broke through in the 11th to clinch a narrow victory. It’s a tough loss, especially after such a strong start, but it’s also a stark reminder of the highs and lows of baseball.

While it stings to lose a game like this, Cubs Manager Craig Counsell provided some perspective in his postgame remarks. “Ben Brown’s stuff today was excellent," Counsell noted. "In the last inning, he pitched, he was throwing very hard. That inning sped up on him a bit, and he let some hitters off the hook.” It's insights like these that remind us of the growth and adjustments ahead for our young players.

Young Hitters Growing Pains Continue

While the thrill of watching these young talents develop is undeniable, they’re currently facing some growing pains that we need to navigate.

Michael Busch is one such player. He’s been trying to find his rhythm at the plate and in the field, but the past couple of weeks have been tough. The stats paint a stark picture: a -3.4 offensive rating (0 being league average) coupled with a -0.3 defensive impact suggests he's having a significant struggle on both fronts. Busch needs a balanced development strategy that enhances his fielding while rekindling his batting potential. The journey from prospect to prime-time player isn’t short, but it's one we’re all invested in.

Christopher Morel, on the other hand, is a mixed bag of dynamite and growing pains. Despite a fielding rating of -1.2 indicating defensive struggles, Morel’s bat has had its moments, including some clutch hits that remind us of his potential. As he continues to adapt to being a third baseman, we’re keeping an eye on his progress. His development isn’t about quick fixes but consistent growth over the season.

And then there’s Nico Hoerner. This guy is a beacon of balance and reliability. With positive contributions both at bat and in the field, Nico is demonstrating just how impactful a well-rounded player can be. He’s the model our younger players can look up to, showing that consistency is key to success.

Here Come the 1st Place Brew Crew

Brewers' Turbulent Week and Upcoming Series

Cubs Superfans, let’s take a quick peek at who’s rolling into Wrigley this weekend—the Milwaukee Brewers. And guess what? They’ve had a bit of a rough patch. Despite their struggles, they’re still clinging to the top spot in the NL Central, but this presents a golden opportunity for our Cubs.

In the last 10 games, the Brewers went 5-5, they gave up 10 runs twice to the Yankees last weekend. They've had some highs and a lot of lows, battling through injuries and inconsistencies. Key players like Wade Miley and Jakob Junis are out, which has shaken up their pitching stability. Their bullpen is stretched thin, with their relievers logging in more innings than usual.

The Brewers' starters haven't been able to go deep into games, averaging the fewest innings per start in the MLB this season. This fatigue could be our chance to strike. With matchups against Heyden Wesneski and the promising Javier Assad, our Cubs have a real shot at making significant inroads in the standings this series.

So, what’s the game plan? Get loud and proud, Wrigley faithful! Let’s make our home field a fortress and show the Brewers that no matter their standing, they’re in for a tough series at our beloved ballpark. This weekend, it’s all about pressure, perseverance, and, most importantly, Cubs pride. Let’s go, Cubs!

Check out Jomboy Media’s Video on the Benches Clearing Brawl from Monday. This is why the Brewers won’t have their manager tomorrow. He comes across as a tool here. Warning: Adult Language.

The Closer

That wraps up this rundown, Cubs faithful! As we gear up to take on the Brewers, here’s what’s in store at Wrigley this weekend:

• Friday at 1:20 PM CT: Heyden Wesneski (2-0, 0.87 ERA) takes on Joe Ross (1-3, 5.40 ERA). It's a great chance to start strong with Wesneski's impressive early-season form.

• Saturday at 1:20 PM CT: Jameson Taillon (2-0, 1.50 ERA) faces Tobias Myers (0-1, 4.50 ERA). Taillon’s been a rock for us, and we're looking for another solid outing.

• Sunday at 1:20 PM CT: Javier Assad (2-0, 1.97 ERA) matches up against Freddy Peralta (3-0, 3.21 ERA). This pitcher's duel is the highlight of the weekend, with Assad looking to continue his excellent start to the season.

Your support at Wrigley could be the game-changer. Join us in the stands or cheer from home—every shout counts. Share this newsletter, spark discussions on social media, and let’s keep the Cubs spirit roaring loud and proud. Together, let’s push our Cubs to victory and show the Brewers that Wrigley Field is our fortress. Go Cubs Go!