Cachorros and Palencia Keep Playoff Hopes Alive with Historic Performance

CHICAGO, Illinois — The Chicago Cubs made a strong comeback in the Divisional Series against the Milwaukee Brewers, leveling the series thanks in part to Daniel Palencia‘s notable performances. On October 10, 2025, Palencia played a key role, securing a win in one game and maintaining a lead in another.

After struggling in the second game of the series, Palencia returned to form, making history for the Cubs. He has successfully adapted to a different role this postseason compared to the 2025 regular season, where he served primarily as a closer. In his four appearances, Palencia has achieved three wins and one hold.

During Thursday’s game, Palencia came in during the fifth inning with runners on second and third base and two outs. He struck out his compatriot Jackson Chourio, ending the threat with a fly ball to shortstop. He then went on to retire the side in the sixth inning unscathed. This performance joined Palencia with the legendary Mordecai Brown, as only the second pitcher in Cubs history to earn three wins in his first five postseason appearances. Brown achieved this feat between 1906 and 1908.

Palencia, originally from San Carlos, has recorded 6.1 innings pitched in this playoffs, marking his postseason debut with three strikeouts and one walk. Additionally, he has joined a select group of Venezuelan players, becoming the fourth to win at least three games in his first five playoff outings, alongside Freddy García, Francisco “Kid” Rodríguez, and Yusmeiro Petit.