Sep 1, 2026 · 44 min
Listen from 19:34
Listen at 19:34
Cubs expose Brewers’ pitching and bullpen strain
Alex Bregman hits 3 home runs and Cubs set team record with 9 in 17-3 rout of Brewers
The blowout raises urgent questions about Kyle Harrison’s readiness and Milwaukee’s postseason pitching plans while the NL Central race remains active.
- 1Kyle Harrison’s command, release point, velocity, and possible fatigue became central concerns after Chicago’s relentless attack.
- 2Bullpen limitations shaped Milwaukee’s response, with a six-man rotation, young staff, and seven-man bullpen under strain.
- 3The Brewers emphasized moving past the loss, adjusting the lineup, and prioritizing wins over run differential.
Don't miss
Cooper Pratt makes a strong defensive play and hits a home run at Wrigley, giving Milwaukee a brief bright spot in a 17-3 loss.
The brief
The Cubs’ 17-3 win at Wrigley Field set a franchise record with nine home runs, while the Brewers struggled to contain Chicago and missed chances of their own.
Dominic Petronio and Jerry Augustine focus on Kyle Harrison’s command, release point, reduced velocity, and whether extra rest is needed before Milwaukee finalizes its postseason pitching plans.
Manager Pat Murphy attributes Harrison’s rough outing to conditions, grip issues, command, and possible fatigue or mechanical problems, while acknowledging the Cubs executed in every phase.
The manager also details bullpen constraints created by a six-man rotation, a young pitching staff, a seven-man bullpen, and a long run of consecutive games.
Milwaukee’s response centers on turning the page, balancing the lineup against left-handed pitching, and evaluating fits for Bryce Turang, Cooper Pratt, and other roster options.
Cooper Pratt supplies the episode’s bright spot with a strong defensive play and a home run at Wrigley, but the larger concern remains Harrison’s postseason reliability.