The Chicago Cubs were no match this season for the Milwaukee Brewers, who won the division for the third time in four years. How can they close the “big gap”?

That's because the Brewers officially qualified for the 2024 postseason with a Wednesday afternoon loss by Craig Counsell's Chicago Cubs. That's the same Craig Counsell from Whitefish Bay who left the Brewers last fall after managing the team for nine seasons for the rival Cubs.

The Cubs hired Craig Counsell away from the rival Brewers last winter with the goal of returning to the top of the National League Central under Counsell's leadership and experience. Milwaukee wound up popping champagne in celebration of another division crown on Wednesday night.