The Chicago Cubs lost the series finale against the Philadelphia Phillies after heading to extra innings. With two outs and the bases loaded, a ball was hit towards third baseman Vidal Brujan. Brujan misplayed the grounder, letting a run score on an infield hit.
In Cubs manager Craig Counsell’s postgame press conference, courtesy of Marquee Sports Network, Counsell sent a message to Brujan after he misplayed the grounder. Counsell said, “You gotta go get that ball.”
Counsell’s message is clear, and considering the situation, it’s a warranted message. With the bases loaded and two outs, Trea Turner stepped up to the plate. He hit the grounder at Brujan, and after staying back to field it, Brujan took an extra step before throwing it across the diamond to try and get Turner out. Unfortunately for Brujan, the way he played the ball didn’t work against the speedy Turner, and led to Turner beating the throw, and allowing another run to score to give the Phillies a 3-1 lead in the tenth.
Counsell acknowledged the impact Turner had, and how Brujan should’ve played it, knowing who was running to first. “With the speed of Turner, you gotta go get it.” While Brujan’s mistake won’t go down as an error, the misplaying of the ball led to a run being scored.
With a speedster like Turner running to first, Brujan took too much time fielding the ball and getting it to first base. Brujan’s play isn’t the sole reason the Cubs lost, but it does play a large role in the Cubs first series loss at home during the 2025 season.
Losing the series after such a strong start is tough, but the Cubs are still in solid shape in their division. The Cubs sit one and a half games up on the Cincinnati Reds for the National League Central division lead.
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