Contreras keys 3-run 8th as Brewers rally to beat Cubs 3-1 in first game against Counsell
Chicago Cubs’ Christopher Morel celebrates his home run off Milwaukee Brewers starting pitcher Joe Ross during the sixth inning of a baseball game Friday, May 3, 2024, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)
CHICAGO (AP) — William Contreras hit an RBI single during Milwaukee’s three-run eighth inning, and the Brewers won their first game against former manager Craig Counsell, beating the Chicago Cubs 3-1 on Friday.
The Brewers opened a weekend series between the NL Central’s top teams on a winning note, even though Chicago’s Hayden Wesneski pitched scoreless ball into the seventh and Christopher Morel homered for the third time in five games. Most of the attention was on Counsell going against his former team, though he pretty much shrugged it off.
“Look, we’re just just trying to win a baseball game,” he said. “This is a good team. I think you spend most of your time trying to figure out how to beat the team. There are people there that I have really good relationships with. Look, you miss people for sure. I miss people over there? Absolutely, yeah, because you have strong relationships with people.”
Chicago Cubs starting pitcher Hayden Wesneski delivers during the first inning of a baseball game against the Milwaukee Brewers Friday, May 3, 2024, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)
Counsell led the Brewers to three division titles and playoff appearances in five of the past six seasons. He posted a 707-625 record in nine years and set franchise records for wins and games managed.
Counsell, a former infielder, also played two stints for the Brewers during a 16-year career. He grew up near Milwaukee in Whitefish Bay, Wisconsin, and his father, John Counsell, is the team’s former director of community affairs.
Milwaukee Brewers starting pitcher Joe Ross delivers during the first inning of a baseball game against the Chicago Cubs Friday, May 3, 2024, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)
Counsell became one of baseball’s hottest free agents when his contract expired after last season. The Cubs then opted for two big surprises when they hired him and fired David Ross.
“He continues to be a tremendous person, but once you’re on the field, you’re worried about one thing only and that’s just about winning the game,” Contreras said through an interpreter.
Jackson Chourio started Milwaukee’s comeback with a pinch-hit single with one out in the eighth against Adbert Alzolay (1-4). The rookie swiped second and scored on Contreras’ base hit.
Contreras then stole second and came around on Willy Adames’ two-out single. The Brewers got another run when Adames stole second and scored on Jake Bauers’ single to center against Alzolay, who heard it from the crowd.
Chicago Cubs’ Christopher Morel celebrates his home run off Milwaukee Brewers starting pitcher Joe Ross during the sixth inning of a baseball game Friday, May 3, 2024, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)
Milwaukee’s Joe Ross pitched six innings of six-hit ball after losing his previous three starts. Elvis Peguero (4-0) and Joel Payamps each worked an inning before Trevor Megill handled the ninth for his second save.
Chicago Cubs’ Christopher Morel hits a home run off Milwaukee Brewers starting pitcher Joe Ross during the sixth inning of a baseball game Friday, May 3, 2024, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)
The Brewers came out on top with manager Pat Murphy serving the second of a two-game suspension for his role in a brawl with Tampa Bay on Tuesday.
Morel put the Cubs in front with two out in the sixth when he drove a 3-2 fastball from Ross to straightaway center field for his fifth homer this season. He pumped his right arm and clapped as he rounded the bases.
Milwaukee Brewers’ Oliver Dunn, left, tags out Chicago Cubs’ Nico Hoerner between second and third during the fifth inning of a baseball game Friday, May 3, 2024, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)
Wesneski simply dazzled, scattering three hits over 6 1/3 innings. The right-hander struck out eight and walked two in his second start and fourth appearance this season. But the Cubs lost in their first game this season against a division opponent.
Milwaukee Brewers’ Tyler Black is reflected in the glasses of hitting coach Connor Dawson as he listens to Dawson in the dugout during the third inning of a baseball game against the Chicago Cubs Friday, May 3, 2024, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)
Before the game, the Brewers recalled right-hander Corbin Martin from Triple-A Nashville.
TRAINER’S ROOM
Cubs: Ace Justin Steele is in line to start Monday against San Diego after being sidelined since the season opener because of a strained left hamstring, Counsell said. The left-hander was hurt trying to field a bunt at Texas in his first career opening-day start. … RHP Kyle Hendricks (lower back strain) will start Tuesday for Triple-A Iowa, Counsell said. The veteran right-hander threw five solid innings for Double-A Tennessee on Thursday.
Milwaukee Brewers’ Rhys Hoskins reacts after Chicago Cubs’ Mike Tauchman caught his deep fly ball during the fourth inning of a baseball game Friday, May 3, 2024, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)
UP NEXT
Cubs RHP Jameson Taillon (2-0, 1.50 ERA) looks to continue his strong start on Saturday, while rookie RHP Tobias Myers (0-1, 4.50 ERA) makes his third start for the Brewers.
Milwaukee Brewers’ Brice Turang looks to first after forcing Chicago Cubs’ Ian Happ out at second during the fourth inning of a baseball game Friday, May 3, 2024, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)
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Milwaukee Brewers’ Willy Adames hands starting pitcher Joe Ross the rosin bag to start the first inning of a baseball game against the Chicago Cubs Friday, May 3, 2024, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)