WATCH: Cubs reflect after tight loss: Counsell, Taillon, Merryweather speak |
Tony Crumpton
· · Monday, April 28 2025
Hear from Chicago Cubs manager Craig Counsell, starting pitcher Jameson Taillon and relief pitcher Julian Merryweather after a 3-1 extra-innings loss to the Philadelphia Phillies at Wrigley Field.
Watch the postgame interview below:
Video summary/cliff notes:
(00:00) Craig Counsell discusses the difficulty of extra innings, credits Realmuto’s disciplined at-bat, and notes that starting pitchers on both sides (Taillon and Nola) were excellent with limited offense.
(00:41) Counsell comments on defensive plays, emphasizing urgency when handling fast runners like Trea Turner, and praises Aaron Nola's strong performance.
(01:25) Jameson Taillon describes his outing as "standard," feeling neither his best nor worst, highlighting defensive plays like Miguel Amaya throwing out Turner as a key moment.
(01:53) Taillon says he’s been improving as the season progresses, adjusting his pitch mix and refining mechanics after early outings.
(03:00) Taillon reflects on the team's strong performance against tough opponents but cautions against overconfidence, mentioning the pride of underdog teams playing spoiler.
(03:57) He praises the Cubs’ veteran players for maintaining consistent preparation regardless of opponent, helping avoid big emotional swings over the season.
(04:24) Taillon mentions he was feeling fine late in the game but acknowledges that hard-hit balls factored into the decision to pull him.
(05:08) He expresses excitement about the team’s ability to manufacture runs with small-ball tactics like bunting and stealing, especially when wind conditions suppress power hitting.
(06:07) Julian Merryweather admits his command, particularly with the slider, was off, emphasizing the need to better utilize the defense.
(06:42) Merryweather says he looks forward to quickly rebounding after rough outings, eager to "flush it" and move on.
