Caissie powers Cubs in nightcap win

Andy Martínez analyzes Owen Caissie's two game burst that sparked Chicago's doubleheader sweep over Milwaukee.

Caissie Carries Cubs in Nightcap Sweep of Brewers

CHICAGO — The Cubs opened their five game series against Milwaukee on a rough note, getting shut out, watching their breakout rookie suffer an injury scare, and seeing Kyle Tucker struggle. They bounced back in the nightcap, topping the Brewers 4-1 at Wrigley Field to complete a split and push closer to the postseason. Rookie Owen Caissie started in right field for Tucker and became the catalyst, delivering the game tying RBI in the second inning and scoring on Michael Busch's double to put Chicago ahead.

In the matinee, Caissie went 2-for-4 with a two run double and a solo homer, showing why the Cubs kept faith in his development. Taillon, activated from the injured list, followed with a six inning one run performance, a crucial return after a calf strain and a string of tough outings. The Cubs leaned on their depth as the game wore on, with Tucker still listed as available off the bench after his second straight day of rest. Counsell, managing his own lineup decisions, balanced rest for a struggling star with opportunities for Caissie to prove himself.

Caissie’s two game burst highlights a broader theme for the Cubs this summer: depth can tilt the balance in a tight division race. A rookie who can contribute across multiple at bats gives Chicago flexibility and reduces the load on a thin later stretch of the schedule. If Caissie sustains this level, the Cubs gain a tangible edge as veterans anchor the lineup while younger players push their limits. The Taillon return also matters. A six inning, one run start signals that the rotation is healthy enough to shoulder a heavier workload as the calendar moves toward October. Still, resting Tucker suggests a strategic mindset rather than a short term fix: keep a star healthy while validating the bench and the young players who could be asked to carry more weight down the line.

Looking ahead, the question is whether this balance holds without risking a drop in offensive production from the Cubs' core. Milwaukee will adapt, and Chicago will rely on a blend of experience and youth to navigate a demanding schedule. The coming days will reveal if Caissie’s surge is a spark or a sustainable shift in the Cubs' approach to building an offense that can win games even when lineup regulars aren’t firing on all cylinders.

Highlights

Chicago set to test this mix in the next stretch of games.