MILWAUKEE -- It’s rarely a good sign when a manager turns to his third pitcher of a non-bullpen game in the second inning.

But that’s exactly what Cubs skipper Craig Counsell had to do when starter Matthew Boyd and right-hander Michael Soroka combined for just five outs to open the National League Division Series. Enter veteran righty Aaron Civale , who was tasked with stopping the bleeding and salvaging what was left of Game 1 against the rival Brewers.

With Chicago trailing by seven and the bases loaded, Civale delivered the longest scoreless relief appearance in Cubs postseason history in Saturday afternoon’s 9-3 loss at American Family Field.

Across 4 1/3 innings, Civale scattered three hits -- all singles -- with three strikeouts in a 55-pitch outing. After the first batter h

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