3 moments that saved Cubs season in Game 3, 2 that almost destroyed them

The anxiety levels were high for Chicago Cubs fans heading into an elimination game against the Milwaukee Brewers on Wednesday night. After the Brewers routed the Cubs in Games 1 and 2 of the NLDS, the series arrived at Wrigley Field, and fans were on edge. So much so that a Cubs' hype video was mistaken for a video of the team prematurely thanking the fans for the season that was.

Fortunately, the Cubs have lived to see another day. The Cubs etched out a victory over the Brewers in Game 3, and two teams will play Game 4 on Thursday at Wrigley Field. In a series that has been filled with dread for the Cubs, Wednesday's game had a little bit of everything--some good, and some signs that made it seem like the Cubs' playoff run was about to be destroyed.

3 moments that saved Cubs season in NLDS Game 3 vs the Brewers

Michael Busch's leadoff home run the first inning

If the Cubs' playoff run has proved one thing, it's that Michael Busch is the long-term answer at first base. Beyond that, the Cubs may be witnessing the birth of a superstar. Busch led the Cubs in home runs this season with 34, and hasn't missed a beat during the playoffs. After a strange top half of the first, Busch's home run restored the vibes at Wrigley Field.

Pete Crow-Armstrong gives the Cubs the lead

There's no way around it. Entering Wednesday's Game 3, it had been a disastrous debut in the playoffs for Pete Crow-Armstrong. Outside of his success against the San Diego Padres in Game 3 of the National League Wild Card Series, Crow-Armstrong has looked lifeless at the plate. That changed on Wednesday when the Cubs had Quinn Priester on the ropes in the first inning with the bases loaded. In that moment, Crow-Armstrong delivered.

Brad Keller closes it out

There's been no question that throughout the season, Brad Keller has been the ace of the Cubs' bullpen. Daniel Palencia may have flashed as being the Cubs' long-term option at closer, but it has been Keller who has kept the bullpen stable. After a shaky appearance against the Padres last Thursday, Keller returned to the mound on Wednesday against the Brewers and closed out the game.

2 moments that almost destroyed the Cubs' season in NLDS Game 3 vs Brewers

Brewers use Wrigley Field against the Cubs

What has been most annoying in this series is that the Brewers have taken advantage of every mistake the Cubs have made. That is why fans immediately had an uneasy feeling in the top frame of the game, when the Cubs let a pop-up fall in the infield that ultimately led to the Brewers scoring their first run of the game.

Pete Crow-Armstrong nearly gets ejected on awful umpire

It's been no secret that Crow-Armstrong plays the game with his heart on his sleeve, and that nearly was the reason why he could have been ejected in Game 4 of the NLDS. With the Cubs threatening with two runners on in the third base, Crow-Armstrong checked his swing, and upon appeal, it was ruled a swing for strike three.