Brewers Rally Past Cubs 4-3 in 10 Innings as Chicago Bullpen Slump Continues

The Chicago Cubs fell 4-3 to the Milwaukee Brewers in 10 innings on Tuesday after closer Jacob Webb surrendered a game-tying two-run home run in the ninth.

The Milwaukee Brewers defeated the Chicago Cubs 4-3 in 10 innings on Tuesday, marking the second consecutive game in which Chicago's bullpen surrendered a late-inning lead. With two outs in the ninth inning, Brewers left fielder Jackson Chourio hit a game-tying home run off Cubs closer Jacob Webb. Milwaukee secured the victory in the 10th inning via an RBI single from right fielder Luis Lara. The win was Milwaukee’s 90th of the season, the fastest the franchise has reached that mark.

Chicago's relief corps has struggled significantly since mid-August, ranking 23rd in ERA and allowing 16 home runs during that span, the second-highest total in MLB. Webb, who signed a one-year, $1.5 million deal to pitch middle innings, has now surrendered three late-inning home runs over his last six appearances. The Cubs have lost all three of those contests. Manager Craig Counsell noted that the game-tying blast occurred on a "bad pitch with a man on base."

The Cubs are currently playing without their most expensive relievers due to injuries, while former closer Daniel Palencia continues to recover from an arm injury. Additionally, trade deadline acquisition Ryan Zeferjahn has struggled since arriving from the Angels. The loss prevented Chicago from overtaking Philadelphia for the top National League wild-card spot, while San Diego and Arizona both won to tighten the postseason race. Milwaukee can clinch a playoff berth as early as Wednesday.