Dave Roberts’ Bold Claim and Craig Counsell’s Sharp Response Ignite Dodgers-Cubs Rivalry

In a post-game press conference that left baseball fans buzzing, Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts stunned the media by calling the Chicago Cubs’ recent victory over his team “lucky” and vowing to “crush them” in their upcoming matchups. The remarks, delivered with an intensity rarely seen from the typically measured Roberts, drew a swift and pointed seven-word response from Cubs manager Craig Counsell: “We’ll see who’s lucky next time.” This exchange has set the stage for a fiery showdown between two National League powerhouses, amplifying the stakes for their next series and reigniting a classic rivalry. This article explores the context of the controversy, the implications of both managers’ statements, and what lies ahead for the Dodgers and Cubs in the 2025 season.

The Game That Sparked the Fire

The drama unfolded after a thrilling game at Wrigley Field, where the Cubs narrowly defeated the Dodgers 4-3 in extra innings. The Dodgers, fresh off a World Series title in 2024 and bolstered by high-profile offseason acquisitions like Blake Snell and Roki Sasaki, were expected to overpower the Cubs, a team still finding its footing under Counsell’s leadership. However, the Cubs leveraged their home-field advantage and capitalized on a series of fortunate breaks—a questionable call at first base, a bloop single, and a misplayed fly ball—to secure the win.

The game’s defining moment came in the 10th inning when Cubs outfielder Ian Happ delivered a walk-off single, sending the Wrigley crowd into a frenzy. The Dodgers, despite their star-studded lineup featuring Mookie Betts and Freddie Freeman, struggled to convert scoring opportunities, stranding 10 runners on base. Roberts, visibly frustrated in the press conference, didn’t hold back when asked about the Cubs’ performance.

“They got lucky tonight,” Roberts said, his voice edged with irritation. “A few soft hits, a bad call, and we didn’t capitalize. But make no mistake, we’re the better team. We’ll see them again, and we’re going to crush them.” The comments, particularly the word “lucky,” struck a nerve, dismissing the Cubs’ gritty effort and setting off a wave of reactions across the baseball world.

Counsell’s Seven-Word Retort

Craig Counsell, known for his concise and calculated communication, responded with a seven-word zinger that shocked fans and added fuel to the rivalry: “We’ll see who’s lucky next time.” Delivered with a wry smile during a post-game interview, the remark was a masterclass in understated defiance, implying that the Cubs’ win was no fluke and that they were ready to prove it in future matchups. The brevity and confidence of Counsell’s response resonated with Cubs fans, who flooded X with posts praising their manager’s cool-headed clapback. One fan wrote, “Counsell’s 7 words > Roberts’ entire rant. Cubs in 3!”

Counsell’s retort also reflected his managerial philosophy: let the results speak for themselves. During his tenure with the Milwaukee Brewers, he earned a reputation for maximizing rosters and outsmarting opponents, often in high-pressure situations. Now in his second year with the Cubs, Counsell is under scrutiny to deliver a postseason berth after a disappointing 2024. His response to Roberts suggests he’s embracing the challenge and using the controversy to rally his team.

Reactions from Players, Fans, and Analysts

The verbal sparring between Roberts and Counsell dominated sports talk shows and social media. Cubs players, energized by their manager’s response, expressed confidence heading into the next series. Ian Happ, whose walk-off hit sealed the victory, posted on X, “Lucky? Nah, that’s just Wrigley magic. Ready for round two.” Shortstop Dansby Swanson added, “We respect the Dodgers, but we’re not backing down. Let’s play.”

Dodgers players, meanwhile, stood by their manager, though some appeared uneasy with the spotlight his comments created. Mookie Betts, a vocal leader, said, “Dave’s got our back, and we’ve got his. We’ll show up next time.” Privately, sources within the Dodgers organization indicated that Roberts’ outburst stemmed from frustration over the team’s early-season inconsistencies, particularly in clutch hitting, which plagued them in the Cubs game.

Fans on both sides were quick to take up arms. Cubs supporters mocked Roberts’ “sore loser” attitude, while Dodgers fans defended his passion, arguing that the Cubs’ win relied on fortunate breaks. On X, hashtags like #LuckyCubs and #CrushThem trended, with one viral post reading, “Roberts calling us lucky? Counsell’s 7 words just owned him.”

Analysts offered mixed takes. ESPN’s Buster Olney cautioned that Roberts’ comments could motivate the Cubs, noting, “You don’t poke a team like Chicago at Wrigley. Counsell’s response was perfect—it’s calm but loaded with intent.” Conversely, Fox Sports’ Ken Rosenthal suggested Roberts’ bravado might galvanize the Dodgers, who thrive under pressure. “Dave’s not afraid to stir the pot,” Rosenthal said. “This could light a fire under LA.”

The Context Behind the Comments

Roberts’ remarks must be viewed through the lens of the Dodgers’ sky-high expectations. After their 2024 championship, the team invested heavily in talent, positioning themselves as favorites to repeat in 2025. Roberts, now the highest-paid manager in MLB with a four-year, $32.4 million extension, faces immense pressure to deliver. The loss to the Cubs, coupled with early-season struggles in close games, may have prompted his uncharacteristically fiery rhetoric as a way to rally his players and deflect criticism.

For Counsell, the stakes are equally high. Hired by the Cubs in 2023 for a record-breaking five-year, $40 million contract, he was expected to elevate a talented but underperforming roster. After missing the playoffs in 2024, Counsell is under pressure to prove his worth. His seven-word response not only countered Roberts but also signaled to Cubs fans and players that he’s ready to fight for respect in the NL.

The “lucky” label also taps into a broader baseball debate about chance versus skill. Baseball is a game of fine margins, where a single call or a well-placed hit can swing outcomes. By framing the Cubs’ win as luck, Roberts may have been highlighting his team’s missed opportunities while downplaying Chicago’s execution. Counsell’s retort, however, reframed the narrative, suggesting that the Cubs’ “luck” was the result of preparation and grit.

What’s Next for Dodgers vs. Cubs

The Dodgers and Cubs are set to face off again in a three-game series in Los Angeles later this month, and the Roberts-Counsell exchange has turned it into a must-watch event. For the Dodgers, the series is a chance to back up their manager’s bold claim. They’ll need to improve their situational hitting and rely on their deep pitching staff, led by Yamamoto and Buehler, to stifle the Cubs’ offense. For Chicago, the games are an opportunity to prove their win was no accident, with Counsell likely leaning on his bullpen and players like Kyle Tucker to keep the pressure on.

The psychological dynamics will be fascinating. Roberts’ comments have given the Cubs a motivational edge, while the Dodgers must avoid letting the controversy distract them. Counsell’s calm confidence could steady his team, but he’ll need to outmaneuver Roberts tactically to secure a series win on the road.

A Rivalry Reignited

The Roberts-Counsell clash has breathed new life into the Dodgers-Cubs rivalry, which has simmered since their memorable postseason battles in 2016 and 2017. Baseball thrives on moments like these—when managers trade barbs, fans rally, and games take on added meaning. Roberts’ “lucky” jab and vow to “crush” the Cubs, paired with Counsell’s seven-word retort, have set the stage for a compelling chapter in this storied matchup.

As the teams prepare for their next showdown, the baseball world will be watching. Will the Dodgers make good on Roberts’ promise, or will Counsell’s Cubs prove that their “luck” is here to stay? One thing is certain: the next series will be about more than just wins and losses—it will be a battle of pride, strategy, and redemption.