Something about the first inning gives the Cubs’ offense a jolt.
Maybe manager Craig Counsell gives the best pregame speeches. But whatever the reason, the Cubs have shown up to start games, and that continued Thursday.
Wrigley was rocking early 😤 pic.twitter.com/uVcFSQJXl3
— MLB (@MLB) October 10, 2025
With runners on first and second, left fielder Ian Happ belted a three-run homer to left field to give the Cubs an early 3-0 lead. His homer allowed the Cubs to become the first team with a first-inning homer in four consecutive playoff games in the same postseason, according to ESPN stats and info.
It was a big moment for Happ, who has struggled throughout the playoffs. He entered Thursday with a 45.8% strikeout rate in the playoffs. He was batting .095/.174/.286 in the playoffs.
