WATCH: Cubs reflect after tight loss: Counsell, Taillon, Merryweather speak

Tony Crumpton - Senior Editor - 5 hours ago

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.