The Milwaukee Brewers defeated the Chicago Cubs 5-1 in the first of a four-game series at American Family Field. It was an intense affair, with Brewers lefty Robert Gasser and Cubs lefty Justin Steele matching each other scoreless frame for scoreless frame. In the process, Gasser became just the third Milwaukee pitcher in the last 40 years to have a sub-2.00 ERA in his first four career starts.
The Brewers’ offense was able to break the game open in the eighth inning when Sal Frelick came around to score on an error. A couple of batters later, shortstop Willy Adames hit a 3-0 pitch over the wall in left-center for a three-run home run, giving Milwaukee a 4-0 lead. Jackson Chourio had a RBI double later in the inning.
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.
Milwaukee Brewers Fans Booed Chicago Cubs Manager Craig Counsell
Former Brewers infielder Craig Counsell also managed the team from 2015-2023. 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 more wins that year. In 2016, they won 73; in 2017, the won 86.
And 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 One, 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.
Chicago Cubs Manager Shares His Reaction to Boos from Milwaukee Brewers Fans
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:
Craig Counsell on his reaction to the response he received from the Brewers faithful yesterday: “We had a lot of laughs about it, to be honest with you. More than anything, we laughed about it.” pic.twitter.com/Eg0al9IENz
— Jack Stern (@ByJackStern) May 28, 2024
“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 help take that sting away.
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