The Brewers and Cubs clash on June 17, 2025, in a battle for NL Central supremacy. Can Christian Yelich and Sal Frelick lead Milwaukee past their rivals?
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
The air at Wrigley Field was thick with tension Tuesday night as the Milwaukee Brewers and Chicago Cubs locked horns in a game with massive implications for the National League Central. In a classic clash between the division's top two teams, every pitch and every at-bat felt magnified. With the Crew looking to close the gap on their rivals, this series is shaping up to be a defining moment in the season.
With a .294 batting average, Sal Frelick has been a consistent spark plug at the top of the lineup, setting the table for the big bats behind him.
The marquee matchup on the mound featured Brewers' righty C. Patrick (3-6, 3.25 ERA) facing off against the Cubs' B. Brown (3-5, 5.71 ERA). On paper, it was an opportunity for Milwaukee's offense to pounce. The game represented more than just a single win or loss; it was a statement game, a chance for the Brewers to prove their mettle on the road against their biggest rival in the thick of a pennant race.
To come out on top, the Brewers needed their offensive leaders to do what they do best. The trio of Sal Frelick, Christian Yelich, and William Contreras came into the game as the core of the Crew's attack. Yelich has been on a tear, leading the team with 14 homers and 43 RBIs, providing the middle-of-the-order thump. With Frelick's high average and Contreras's all-around production, the top of Milwaukee's lineup is as dangerous as any in the league.
While the focus was squarely on Wrigley, the bigger picture for the organization remains incredibly bright. The trade deadline is still a ways off, and the front office's quiet approach suggests confidence in the current roster. That confidence is bolstered by a farm system that remains in MLB's top 10, even after graduating a talent like Jackson Chourio. With prospects like Jesús Made tearing up the lower levels, the pipeline of talent ensures that this window of contention in Milwaukee is built to last.
Regardless of tonight's final score, this series at Wrigley is a litmus test for the Brewers. Winning this series could set the tone for the rest of the summer as the NL Central race heats up. All eyes will be on Milwaukee to see if they can rise to the occasion and reclaim the top spot in the division.
