After all the pain and suffering for the last 5 years, the Chicago Cubs finally made it to the postseason. And after their games against the Padres, the Cubs fans were hopeful that they would watch their team go deep. But with the NLDS games against the Milwaukee Brewers, everything is hanging by a thread. Even manager Craig Counsell is now pointing fingers at his own players.

In a recent interview, Craig Counsell talked about the situation in the clubhouse after going 0-2 down. “Part of being great at this is responding to the bad stuff… You can’t be afraid of it… We put ourselves in a hole this series, no question about it. We get to decide how the story ends.” 

The Chicago Cubs enter Game 3 of the NLDS facing immense pressure after losing the first two, struggling offensively with just a .216 batting average and 12 runs scored across five postseason contests. Their lineup, hitting only seven home runs and producing a .386 slugging percentage, has struggled with runners in scoring position, going 2-for-17.

Starting pitchers Matthew Boyd and Shota Imanaga have combined for only 3 1/3 innings with 10 runs allowed, though the bullpen has performed admirably, keeping the Cubs competitive despite early deficits. Fans witnessed Seiya Suzuki’s early home run spark briefly in Game 2, but the team ultimately fell 7-3, highlighting the urgency to rebound.

History reminds Cubs fans that comebacks are possible yet difficult.

As seen in 1984, when the Cubs led 2-0 against the Padres, but San Diego won the series.

The team now must elevate its performance, with Jameson Taillon starting Game 3, and capitalize on Wrigley Field’s supportive atmosphere. Improving offensive numbers, reducing strikeouts, and limiting home runs allowed will be essential for regaining momentum. The players need every fan’s energy from the first pitch, turning focus and determination into a possible NLDS revival.

Craig Counsell reminds the Cubs that even giants stumble, but the story still belongs to them. Seiya Suzuki and Ian Happ must ignite the offense, or Wrigley Field will mock their efforts. If Taillon can steady the pitching, Cubs fans might finally stop screaming at empty strikeouts.

After Craig Counsell, Pete Crow-Armstrong has advice for the Cubs

After two games in Milwaukee, the Cubs look more like a batting practice squad than a postseason contender. Craig Counsell has already voiced his frustrations, but the team isn’t short on advice. Pete Crow-Armstrong, once an MVP hopeful, has weighed in with what he thinks might be the magic fix—because apparently, in the playoffs, a simple idea can solve months of offensive futility.

The Chicago Cubs have struggled to generate offense in the first two NLDS games against Milwaukee, being outscored 16-6 while collecting just ten hits compared to the Brewers’ 24.

In Game 1, the Cubs managed three solo home runs, and in Game 2, Seiya Suzuki provided the only run with a single swing. Meanwhile, the Cubs have struck out 23 times, leaving runners stranded and failing to build momentum in crucial moments.

So, Pete Crow-Armstrong addressed the team’s struggles with grounded advice. “Hitting is hard. Putting runs up in big league games is hard.” He emphasized execution and suggested, “We go put more balls in play, we’ll probably score more runs.”

If the Cubs focus on making contact rather than chasing power, they could start advancing runners, putting more pressure on pitchers, and revitalizing their postseason hopes.

If Pete Crow-Armstrong’s advice sticks, the Cubs might finally turn contact into contagious postseason energy. Craig Counsell’s frustrations are valid, but maybe listening to a young player could spark unexpected results. At Wrigley, fans are hoping simple execution can triumph over Milwaukee’s dominant pitching once again.