MILWAUKEE -- Matthew Boyd was already thinking ahead to the National League Division Series after his first start of the postseason for the Cubs. The veteran lefty wanted the ball -- even on short rest -- if Chicago advanced to take on the rival Brewers.

Cubs manager Craig Counsell trusted Boyd with that assignment on Saturday afternoon, but the decision backfired swiftly in a 9-3 loss to begin this best-of-five series against Milwaukee. Following five full days off, the Brewers’ lineup jumped on Boyd with a six-run first inning that had the already-raucous environment at American Family Field turned up several notches.

The Cubs now have an off-day on Sunday to reset and prepare to step back into Milwaukee’s intimidating arena. The North Siders can also focus on the fact that -- no

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