Chicago Cubs fall to Milwaukee Brewers and face mounting playoff pressure

The Chicago Cubs dropped their Wednesday game against the Milwaukee Brewers 8-6 at American Family Field, completing a three-game sweep. Starter Kevin Gausman struggled early, allowing seven runs as the Cubs fell into a six-run deficit through two innings. Despite a five-run surge in the ninth, the team could not close the gap. The loss marks the Cubs' fourth consecutive defeat and leaves them 1.5 games behind the Philadelphia Phillies for a wild-card spot. Manager Craig Counsell cited defensive lapses and bullpen inconsistency as primary issues during this current stretch. The team enters an off day Thursday before beginning their final 15-game push of the regular season.

• 3:49 AMYahoo Sports — 3 takeaways as the Chicago Cubs get swept, including their tenuous playoff positioning — and the bullpen’s woes