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

The Cubs hired Craig Counsell away from the rival Brewers last winter with the goal of returning to the top of the National League Central under Counsell's leadership and experience. Milwaukee wound up popping champagne in celebration of another division crown on Wednesday night.

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.