Milwaukee’s Brewers amazed everyone for three home runs, including blasts by Andrew Vaughn and Sal Frelick to beat the Cubs 8–4 and gain the first spot in the NL Central. With the division race heating up, we review player stats, standings and Cubs response.
🏁 Cubs vs Brewers Recap: Brewers Rally for 8–4 Win
The Brewers beat the Cubs 8–4 in a pivotal matchup at American Family Field On July 28, 2025 stealing sole possession of first place in the NL Central. After Chicago got early with a three run first inning off All Star rookie Jacob Misiorowski then Milwaukee stormed back in the third with a four run rally that includs contributions from Christian Yelich, Isaac Collins and Brice Turang.
Key homers by Andrew Vaughn (solo, 5th inning) and Sal Frelick (solo, 6th) increased the lead and Yelich sealed it with a two runs blast in the 7th. Despite a late Cubs run by Kyle Tucker the Brewers tried to overcome it hardly. Trevor Megill earned his 24th save of the season to end it.
📊 Player Details
- Andrew Vaughn, now with Milwaukee, belted his ninth home run of the season—demonstrating powerful offense since joining the Brewers.
- Sal Frelick, the Brewers’ former first-round pick in 2021, launched his eighth homer, showing unexpected pop from a player known more for defense.
- Christian Yelich drove in three runs including his 20th home run, and added an RBI double during Milwaukee’s rally.
- For Chicago, Kyle Tucker delivered an RBI single in the 7th to cut the deficit temporarily.
- Starting pitcher Matthew Boyd (11‑4) became the reason for the loss after giving up four runs in five innings.
🔥 NL Central Race Excitements
Because of this loss the Brewers moved to 63‑43 which is one game ahead of the Cubs (62‑44) that makes this series highly critical. Both teams head into Game 2 looking to tip the division battle before the trade deadline. Cubs president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer received a long-term extension amid the intensity of the race.
🧭 Andrew Vaughn & Sal Frelick Spotlight
- Vaughn, originally a White Sox standout, has hit .324/.409/.649 in hot stretch over 12 games filling in at first base—impacting the division chase.
- Frelick, though still early in his MLB career, earned his 2024 Gold Glove and continues contributing both defensively and with timely homers. His second homer in as many games showcases growing confidence.
🔧 Cubs’ Response & Boyd’s Struggles
- Matthew Boyd, previously MLB’s most consistent postseason-caliber arm, faltered with four earned runs in five frames—notably after coughing up early errors and a wild pitch by Misiorowski.
- Bleed Cubbie Blue noted the Cubs’ minors talent like Matt Shaw, Nico Hoerner, and Pete Crow‑Armstrong—shining in recent games. Yet bullpen concerns and overreliance on sluggers like Seiya Suzuki and Tucker remain.
Set the tone in a big way pic.twitter.com/9rAgXA5DS7
— Milwaukee Brewers (@Brewers) July 29, 2025
🏟 Rivalry Series: Cubs vs Brewers I‑94
The two clubs got one of the tightest rivalries in the National League given their proximity and storied history. With both at or near .600, every head to head series swings playoff projections. Brewers manager Craig Counsell, now managing the Cubs in 2025, adds emotional complexity to matchups. This series may define the NL Central title race.
📋 Rotation, Standings & Strategy
- Brewers rookie Misiorowski rebounded after a rough first inning, striking out seven and delivering three scoreless frames—a promising sign for Milwaukee’s rotation.
- Cubs’ rotation features Shōta Imanaga and Boyd, but Bleed Cubbie Blue suggests the team may need external pitching upgrades unless internal arms step up.
- The series was aired on Marquee Sports Network, with games scheduled for 6:40 p.m. CT on Monday & Tuesday, and 1:10 p.m. CT on Wednesday.