Chicago Cubs relief pitcher Trent Thornton displayed significant frustration during the team's 9-5 loss to the Milwaukee Brewers on Wednesday night at Wrigley Field. Thornton was removed from the game in the top of the fifth inning and reacted with an animated dugout outburst.
Thornton entered the game in the fourth inning with runners on base and managed to end the threat by striking out Luis Lara. However, his performance unraveled in the fifth inning. After striking out Christian Yelich to start the frame, he allowed three consecutive baserunners by walking Joey Ortiz and giving up singles to Cooper Pratt and Jackson Chourio. This sequence led to his removal by manager Craig Counsell.
Upon exiting the mound, Thornton entered the dugout and was seen spiking his glove onto the bench before shouting expletives. Despite Thornton's outburst, the immediate scoring threat was neutralized when Ryan Rolison, who came on in relief, retired the next two batters to keep the score at 6-5.
Thornton, in his first season with the Cubs, has been a reliable reliever for the team. He has a 3.40 ERA over 45 innings pitched in 44 games and has recorded three saves this season.
The Cubs were unable to mount a comeback and ultimately lost the game, dropping the third contest of a four-game series against their National League Central rivals. The Cubs, holding a 78-62 record, were scheduled to play the Brewers (87-53) on Thursday to aim for a series split.