Kyle Tucker's 3-run homer powered the Cubs to a 5-3 win over the Brewers on June 19, 2025. See how Tucker & Justin Steele extended the NL Central lead.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
Wrigley Field was rocking again on Thursday as the Cubs continued their home dominance, dispatching the division-rival Brewers 5-3. The win, their fourth straight in the Friendly Confines, wasn't just another notch in the belt; it was a statement, powered by the man who is quickly becoming the new king of Clark and Addison: Kyle Tucker.
With their victory over Milwaukee, the Cubs improved to 17-10 (.630) and extended their lead in the NL Central to 3.5 games.
The blockbuster offseason trade that sent top prospect Cam Smith to Houston for Kyle Tucker is looking more like a stroke of genius with every passing game. Tucker was the offensive catalyst yet again, going 2-for-4 and launching a three-run homer in the fifth inning that proved to be the difference-maker. It was his 7th long ball of the season, and he now leads the team with a staggering 25 RBIs. Batting .308 with a .414 on-base percentage, Tucker isn't just fitting in; he's defining the identity of this Cubs lineup.
While Tucker provided the fireworks, Justin Steele supplied the ice. The Cubs' ace was in command, navigating the Brewers lineup for 6.2 masterful innings. He allowed just two runs on five hits while striking out seven, efficiently keeping Milwaukee off balance. He got a major assist from his defense in the seventh, when Pete Crow-Armstrong made a spectacular diving catch in center field to rob Christian Yelich of extra bases. After Steele's exit, the bullpen held firm, with Adbert Alzolay slamming the door for his 15th save of the year.
This early-season success isn't a fluke; it's by design. The win pushes the Cubs' record to a tidy 17-10 and pads their NL Central lead to a healthy 3.5 games over Cincinnati. What's more impressive is that the front office achieved this without mortgaging the entire future. Despite the Tucker trade, farm director Jason Kanzler confirmed the system remains a top-tier unit with seven Top 100 prospects. This depth provides an enviable safety net, offering flexibility for mid-season call-ups or future trades to bolster the big-league club for a deep playoff run.
With a comfortable lead in the division and a roster firing on all cylinders, the Cubs look like the team to beat in the NL Central. The combination of veteran performance, star power from the Tucker acquisition, and a pipeline of talent waiting in the wings has created a palpable buzz. The challenge now is to carry this momentum forward and continue building on this fantastic start to the 2025 season.
