Busch HR Overshadowed by Brewers' Six-Run First

Michael Busch hit a historic leadoff home run in Game 1 of the NLDS at American Family Field, becoming one of only three Cubs to homer leadoff in the postseason. The Brewers answered with a six-run bottom of the first to overcome that early blast and seize control of the game. Busch, who finished the regular season with career highs and carried momentum from the Wild Card series, extended his postseason surge with additional key hits and homers. Brewers manager Pat Murphy announced a Game 2 plan to use lefty Aaron Ashby as an opener—likely to be followed by right-hander Quinn Priester—to neutralize left-handed threats such as Busch and Kyle Tucker; Ashby posted a 2.16 ERA with 76 strikeouts in 66 2/3 innings in 2025 and has been effective against lefties. The matchup now shapes into a short-series strategic battle that will force Cubs manager Craig Counsell to decide whether to counter with multiple righties or alter his lineup to turn Busch’s individual success into broader offense.