This has been a series of firsts for the Cubs and Brewers. That is, the first inning has meant more than any of the others. That’s why a typically common moment in Thursday’s Game 4 at Wrigley Field turned out to be momentous. The Cubs won 6-0 to force a deciding Game 5 Saturday.

With temperatures finally dropping in Chicago, it was a much more October atmosphere at Wrigley Field on Wednesday. Naturally, Game 3 began with a bewitching type of play.

After building a 4-1 lead in the first, the Cubs didn’t score again, but managed to hang on for a 4-3 victory at Wrigley Field, and move to a 2-1 deficit in the best-of-five series.

As Cubs prepare for must-win Game 3 vs. Brewers, Jameson Taillon is tasked with shutting down Milwaukee offense.

Brewers manager Pat Murphy tried again Monday to convince Wisconsin fans to appreciate Craig Counsell. It didn’t work, and Murphy didn’t really expect it to. Fans inside American Family Field continued to boo loudly when Counsell was introduced.

Cubs starter Shota Imanaga gave up two home runs in Monday’s Game 2, giving him 15 homers allowed in his past eight starts. Daniel Palencia later surrendered a 3-run homer and the Cubs lost 7-3. They fell behind in the best-of-five series 2-0 with Game 3 on Wednesday in Chicago.

Baseball playoffs are time to expect the unexpected. But a rough error at the wrong moment by the Cubs’ Gold Glove second baseman was probably not on any bingo cards Saturday.

The Cubs decision to start Matthew Boyd on three days' rest backfired badly. Milwaukee's first three batters doubled against Boyd in a six-run first inning, and the Brewers rolled to a 9-3 win in the best-of-five series that resumes Monday.

The Cubs and Brewers will meet for the first time in a playoff series. The best-of-five division series begins Saturday