Chicago Cubs manager Craig Counsell watches the action from the dugout during the ninth inning of a baseball game against the Washington Nationals, Friday, Aug. 30, 2024, in Washington. Cubs manager Craig Counsell wasn’t trying to downplay the 10 games that separate his team and the National League Central champion Brewers.

The Cubs’ first-year manager might have been at his most animated all season in throwing down a challenge to the entire organization.

Cubs manager Craig Counsell admits a 'big gap' exists between the Brewers and the rest of the NL Central division.

Jake Bauers lined a bases-loaded, walk-off single in the ninth inning, giving Milwaukee a 2-1 victory over the visiting Philadelphia Phillies in the finale of a three-game series between division leaders after the Brewers clinched the National League Central earlier on Wednesday.

The Milwaukee Brewers became the first major league team to clinch a division championship when they sealed their third NL Central title in the last four years.