The Chicago Cubs’ hitters aren’t putting enough balls in play, and their pitchers aren’t keeping balls in play. That combination has the Cubs heading back home on the brink of elimination.

The Brewers dominated the Cubs again, the Phillies lost Game 2 as much as the Dodgers won it, umpire stretching routines and more from Monday's MLB postseason action.

There was a moment early on Monday night when the blueprint for the Cubs’ offense was on full display. Nico Hoerner slashed a pitch from Brewers lefty Aaron Ashby into right field for a single. Kyle Tucker worked a walk.

The Chicago Cubs are now looking down the barrel of a gun that the Milwaukee Brewers are holding. The team is headed back to Chicago with hopes of regrouping go

With the team pivoting to next year, the core remains intact, headlined by star outfielder Fernando Tatis Jr. Although the 26-year-old is no longer producing at the NL MVP-caliber level he showed during the first three seasons of his career, he remains a key part of San Diego’s long-term plans.

The pregame preparation is methodical. Nearly every day, even during the hot days of summer amid the grind of a long season, Chicago Cubs infielders can be found doing the same drills on the grass in front of the dugout with major-league coach Jonathan Mota.

The San Diego Padres forced a win-or-go-home Game 3 against the Chicago Cubs in the National League Wild Card set to take place at Wrigley Field on Thursday.