The Cubs entered the NLDS series riding the momentum of a tense wild-card battle against the Padres. The Brewers had been waiting patiently after securing the NL’s top seed. And that rest clearly paid off. The Brewers wasted no time in punishing the Cubs starter, Matthew Boyd. The starter did not make it out of the first inning. The Brewers’ bats erupted for nine runs across the first two innings and left the opponent team’s pitching staff scrambling.

However, the NLDS opening game has become more than just a one-sided rivalry story. It has become a broadcast debate. As the Brewers hammered the Cubs early in the game to establish a commanding 9-1 lead by the second inning, the fans put their frustration on TBS commentator Ron Darling. Darling’s commentary during the Brewers’ explosive start has not satisfied the Cubs fans, and social media has started to call Darling out for downplaying their performance.

Darling’s tone aimed at the Cubs’ “bad luck” and “uncharacteristic mistakes,” instead of the Brewers’ execution. And it is something that quickly upset the fans. 

In today’s game, Jackson Chourio became the first star in postseason history to deliver three hits in the first two innings. The star’s blazing performance was the largest storyline of today’s Game 1. Still, the spotlight had faded. Later, the star got a hamstring injury, which forced Jackson Chourio to exit the field after reaching base in the second inning. MLB’s official Twitter account also confirmed the news.

“Jackson Chourio legs out an infield single for his THIRD hit through 2 innings! #NLDS.” Still, the Brewers’ offense kept playing effectively and chased the Cubs’ pitchers to end the game at 9-3.

Coming back to the commentary of the Brewers and the Cubs game, Darling’s voice leaned towards sympathy for Chicago. The Brewers fans identified the injustice, and one fan posted, “Super sad” on X. Some even thought that he was making excuses for the Cubs’ mistakes.

So, just when fans thought the game itself would be the biggest talking point, social media made it clear, the broadcast has become just as controversial.

Fans’ reaction to Darling’s commentary explodes online

“And the worst part of this game is we have to listen to Ron Darling for 8 more innings.” That announcement set the atmosphere early. The Brewers fans knew they were in for a long broadcast night. Ron Darling’s commentary in the very first inning rubbed Brewers fans the wrong way. By the time they had gained an advantage in the opening frame, many viewers were distressed with the idea of hearing that tone for the remaining portion of the game.

Another fan commented, “Hearing Ron Darling on this Cubs Brewers game is making me super sad lol.” This reaction seized the emotional fatigue of supporters who tuned in. Jackson Chourio’s historic first two innings should have been honored more prominently. Instead, Darling’s focus on the Cubs’ defensive lapses made fans feel like Milwaukee’s achievements were being overlooked. For many, that “super sad” comment summed up the mood ideally.

“Turning on the Brewers game and hearing Ron Darling… I feel like I’m being cheated on 💔.” This fan’s dramatic metaphor resonated widely. Brewers supporters are extremely loyal to their local broadcast team, and hearing a national announcer seemingly favor their competitor can feel like betrayal. Milwaukee came into this series as the No. 1 NL seed after a dominant regular season, including a 97-65 home record. Their fans thought national respect matched their performance. Instead, Darling’s tone made them feel sidelined during their franchise’s big moment.

“Now it’s Ron Darling… JFC I’d rather listen to the Brewers home announcers.” Many fans widely wished for local commentary instead. This is not new; postseason broadcasts often draw complaints from regional fan bases when national crews do not catch up with their enthusiasm or insight. But in this case, Milwaukee’s supporters felt Darling went beyond a lack of excitement; they felt he was actively biased. By the end of the second inning, social media was filled with posts favoring Brewers radio or home TV feeds.

“I hope Ron Darling never gets put on the air ever again. Blatantly biased against the Brewers. Choke on it, Ron. #ThisIsMyCrew.” This shows how deeply this broadcast controversy has cut into the fan experience. While postseason emotions always run high, Darling’s repeated framing of Cubs mistakes as “fixable” and Brewers rallies as “breaks” lit a fire under Milwaukee’s loyal fans. And by the end of the second inning, “#ThisIsMyCrew” was even trending regionally alongside Darling’s name, as fans poured out their frustration online. This showed how many Brewers fans feel national broadcasts consistently undermine them compared to big franchises.

The Brewers simply crushed the Cubs in Game 1, supported by a historic offensive boost. But instead of loving every moment, many supporters are trapped in heated discussions about Ron Darling’s commentary. Now, we can only hope that Game 2 goes better and the Brewers find some solace off the field, too.