It’s easy to look back in hindsight and think Chicago Cubs manager Craig Counsell made a mistake by naming lefty Matthew Boyd the team’s starting pitcher for Game 1 of the NLDS.

Boyd threw just 30 pitches and failed to make it out of the first inning before being pulled for Michael Soroka on Saturday afternoon at American Family Field

The Brewers opened the floodgates with three consecutive doubles to start the bottom of the first, ultimately tagging Boyd for six earned runs in the opening frame. Those six runs ended up being the difference in the ballgame, which finished with a final score of 9–3.

The Signs Were There Before First Pitch

While Boyd was eager to get the start—and Counsell said the entire organization was on board with the decision—the writing was on the wall for him to struggle before the game even began.

“You always want the ball. You always want the opportunity,” Boyd told MLB.com. “But they came out with a plan today and I made a few mistakes early.”

According to ESPN’s Jesse Rogers, Boyd had a 4.70 ERA in three career games when pitching on three days’ rest. Only 43 percent of his pitches were in the strike zone, and when he did find it, Milwaukee was ready. Six Brewers batters hit balls over 90 mph off the bat in that first inning. Brice Turang and William Contreras each ripped RBI doubles on pitches left right over the heart of the plate.

A Missed Opportunity for a Different Approach

Boyd’s history on short rest should have been all the data Counsell and the Cubs needed to save him for Game 2. A well-rounded offense like Milwaukee’s is going to make any pitcher pay for not having their best stuff.

There was nothing wrong with turning to Javier Assad—who posted a 3.00 ERA this season if you remove his first start back from injury—and leaning on depth from Soroka and Aaron Civale out of the bullpen.

Counsell’s decision wasn’t reckless — it was overthought. The move to start Boyd felt like a chess play meant to outsmart Milwaukee’s right-handed heavy lineup, but sometimes postseason baseball rewards simplicity. The Cubs didn’t need surprise; they needed stability. With a rested bullpen and multiple arms capable of length, a steadier hand could’ve kept Chicago in it long enough for the offense to find a rhythm.

It’s Not Panic Time, But It Still Hurts

Being down 1–0 is no reason to panic. The Cubs have been here before—most notably in the 2015 NLDS against St. Louis—but it still stings to let one get away without giving this team a real shot.

That game in Milwaukee was over before it even started.