The Milwaukee Brewers lost a heartbreaker to the Chicago Cubs on June 17, 2025, tightening the NL Central race despite a healthy lineup with Hoskins & Yelich.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
It was a classic Wrigley Field battle on Tuesday, but one that ultimately went the wrong way for Milwaukee. In a tense and pivotal showdown between the top two teams in the NL Central, the Brewers fell to the Chicago Cubs, making the divisional race just a little bit tighter. Despite a full-strength lineup, the Crew couldn't muster enough to overcome their rivals in the series opener.
While the big league club battled, top prospect Jesús Made is putting up video game numbers in the DSL: a .331/.458/.554 slash line with six homers and 28 stolen bases.
The atmosphere was electric as the Brewers sent Chad Patrick (3-6, 3.25 ERA) to the mound against their fiercest rivals. The lineup was stacked with talent, from Sal Frelick and Jackson Chourio at the top to the power bats of William Contreras, Christian Yelich, and Rhys Hoskins in the middle. Hoskins, in particular, has been a force, entering the game hitting .292 with 5 homers. However, the high-powered offense struggled to string together the big hits when they needed them most, leaving the team on the losing end of a hard-fought contest that showcased just how competitive this division will be all summer.
In the midst of this crucial series, one silver lining is the team's health and stability. The Brewers reported no new injuries or roster moves, allowing them to field their best possible lineup. This consistency is a major asset, especially during a grueling stretch of divisional games. Having key players like Brice Turang and Joey Ortiz locking down the middle infield every day provides a solid foundation, even when the results don't go their way.
Even as the big-league team focuses on the present, the future of the organization continues to shine brightly. Despite Jackson Chourio's graduation to the majors, the Brewers' farm system remains a consensus top-10 in baseball. The pipeline is brimming with talent, highlighted by emerging infielder Jesús Made. His incredible performance in the Dominican Summer League, posting a .331 average with 28 steals, shows that the next wave of talent is already making noise. It's a comforting thought for fans that the team is built not just for today, but for sustained success.
While Tuesday's loss stings, it's just one game in a long season and an even longer rivalry. The Brewers have a chance to bounce back immediately and reclaim the momentum in this pivotal series. All eyes will be on how the Crew responds tomorrow, as these head-to-head matchups will likely decide the NL Central champion. The fight for the division is far from over.
