Cubs top Brewers 4-3 on June 17, 2025, thanks to Seiya Suzuki's clutch double and Ben Brown's strong start. Get the full recap of this Wrigley thriller.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
Some nights at the Friendly Confines just feel different. Tuesday was one of those nights. In a tense, back-and-forth battle against the rival Milwaukee Brewers, the Chicago Cubs proved their mettle, grinding out a crucial 4-3 win that felt bigger than just one game in June.
With the game on the line in the seventh, Seiya Suzuki delivered a clutch RBI double that proved to be the game-winner.
The game was a nail-biter from the start. Cody Bellinger got the party started with a solo shot, but the Brewers kept clawing back. The real turning point came in the bottom of the seventh when Seiya Suzuki stepped to the plate and laced a double to score the go-ahead run, electrifying the Wrigley Field crowd. The lead was preserved in the eighth by a spectacular, highlight-reel defensive play from Dansby Swanson, a reminder that this team wins with both bat and glove. Adbert Alzolay then slammed the door in the ninth, calmly securing his 18th save of the season.
While the offense provided the late fireworks, rookie Ben Brown was the steady hand that kept the Cubs in the fight. The right-hander delivered another quality start, going six strong innings while allowing just two runs. He punched out seven Brewers, showcasing a devastating slider and confident fastball command that belies his rookie status. With every start like this, Brown isn't just filling a spot in the rotation; he's becoming a foundational piece for this contending team.
This win pushes the Cubs to an impressive 44-28 record, keeping them firmly in first place in the NL Central. It's a testament to the resilient culture Craig Counsell has instilled. But the success isn't just about the present. Even after trading a top prospect for Kyle Tucker, the farm system remains a powerhouse, ranked among the best in baseball. With seven players in MLB's Top 100, the front office has incredible flexibility for mid-season reinforcements or blockbuster trades.
This victory over a division rival was huge, but it's just one step. The Cubs will look to build on this momentum and take the series from Milwaukee. As the season progresses towards the trade deadline, the combination of a first-place big league club and a loaded farm system puts the Cubs in an enviable position to make a serious push for October.