The Chicago Cubs‘ momentum came to a screeching halt Saturday as they fell 8-6 to the St. Louis Cardinals. And fans are placing the blame squarely on manager Craig Counsell.
After smashing eight homers in Friday’s 11-3 win and riding a four-game win streak, the Cubs were in position to secure another victory. They led 5-3 heading into the eighth inning at Wrigley Field in front of a packed house of 40,119 fans. But Counsell’s decision to stick with reliever Brad Keller through a disastrous eighth inning turned into the turning point of the game.
Keller gave up two home runs and five earned runs before being pulled—far too late, according to furious fans on social media.
Fans Erupt Over Cubs’ Bullpen Mismanagement
“Craig Counsell is an idiot… leaving that reliever in was idiotic. Moron first class,” one fan ranted on X, echoing a sentiment shared by many.
Another posted, “Counsell will be the reason why the Cubs do nothing in October.”
Even those defending Keller pointed fingers at the manager: “Shouldn’t put all the blame on Keller… blame Counsell for yet again leaving a guy in too long.”
The loss was particularly painful given the context. Starter Jamison Taillon is on the 15-day IL, forcing the Cubs to go with a bullpen game. Still, fans believe Counsell failed to adjust in time to protect a lead that slipped away fast.
The Cubs now look to salvage the series finale against their NL Central rivals. But Saturday’s meltdown has raised serious questions about Counsell’s bullpen management. And these questions won’t go away quietly if October baseball is on the line.
Read More: How the Chicago Cubs Have Turned Their Biggest Weakness Into Strength
