Chicago Cubs manager Craig Counsell defended his decision to pitch Matthew Boyd on three days’ rest in Saturday’s 9-3 loss to the Milwaukee Brewers.

The decision proved disastrous for the Cubs, as Boyd threw just 30 pitches and saw the Brewers score six runs in the first inning en route to a blowout win in Game 1 of the National League Division Series.

Counsell said the team was “very comfortable” with the decision to have Boyd pitch with one fewer day of rest than normal.

“We've got to make decisions. We went with Matt,” Counsell said. “We're very comfortable -- I was very comfortable putting Matt Boyd on the mound today. The whole organization was comfortable putting Matt Boyd on the mound today.”

Boyd pitched Game 1 of the Wild Card Series against the San Diego Padres, throwing 58 p

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