4 pitches in, Busch opens NLDS with a homer

MILWAUKEE -- Michael Busch became part of Cubs history by blasting a leadoff homer to open Game 1 of the National League Division Series before Chicago lost to Milwaukee, 9-3, on Saturday afternoon at American Family Field.

Busch deposited a 94.9 mph four-seamer from Brewers right-hander Freddy Peralta into the second deck in right-center to give Chicago an early lead on the fourth pitch of the game. Busch also went deep in his final at-bat of Game 3 of the NL Wild Card Series as part of a three-hit performance.

The left-handed-hitting Busch became the third Cub to knock a leadoff homer in the postseason, joining Dexter Fowler (Game 7 of the 2016 World Series) and Bob Dernier (Game 1 of the 1984 NLCS). The Cubs won both of those contests.

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Chicago is used to that type of production from Busch in the leadoff spot. He crushed 16 homers, including five to open the game, this season. Busch, who turns 28 next month, has been hot at the plate. Over his final 15 regular-season games, he slugged .923 with eight homers.