The Milwaukee Brewers defeated the Chicago Cubs 5-1 in the opener of a four-game series at American Family Field. It was a tight game, with Brewers lefty Robert Gasser and Cubs southpaw Justin Steele going scoreless period for frame. In the process, Gasser became only the third Milwaukee pitcher in the last 40 years to have a sub-2.00 ERA in his first four starts.
The Brewers offense broke the game open in the eighth inning, when Sal Frelick scored on an error. A few batters later, shortstop Willy Adames smashed a 3-0 pitch over the wall in left-center for a three-run home run, putting Milwaukee up 4-0. Jackson Chourio recorded an RBI double.
Of course, the game was significant because it gave Milwaukee a four-and-a-half-game lead over the Cubs for first place in the National League Central Division. However, it was also significant because it was the first time Chicago manager Craig Counsell managed against his former team in Milwaukee.
Former Brewers infielder Craig Counsell also managed the team from 2015 to 2023. During that time, Milwaukee went through a massive rebuild and became perennial postseason contenders. After taking over as manager in 2015, he led the Brewers to 61 wins that year. In 2016, they won 73; in 2017, they won 86.
Of course, in 2018, Counsell’s Brewers won a franchise-record 96 games and made it all the way to the National League Championship Series. That year was also the first of four consecutive playoff appearances by Milwaukee, which made the postseason five times in Counsell’s nine seasons.
After the 2023 season, Counsell spurned the Brewers’ contract extension offer to take the Cubs’ job. His decision was met with anger by Brewers fans, who have come to view their former manager as a traitor.
When the Brewers played a tribute video for Counsell prior to the start of Game 1, the crowd roared with boos. Counsell was also booed heavily when he came out of the dugout to make a pitching change in the eighth inning.
On Tuesday, Counsell met with the media ahead of the second game of the teams’ four-game series. He was asked about the boos from Brewers fans and what his reaction was. He said:
“We had a lot of laughs about it, to be honest with you. More than anything, we laughed about it.”
He also called it “a good life experience.”
In other words, Counsell does not care that Brewers fans do not like him. And why would he? He has $8 million annually that helps take that sting away.
