Andrew Vaughn's grand slam and 6 RBI powered the Brewers to a 9-3 win over the Cubs on July 30, but an injury to rookie Jackson Chourio cast a shadow on the win.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
It was a night of pure dominance and slight dread at American Family Field. The Milwaukee Brewers continued their torrid pace, crushing the Chicago Cubs 9-3, fueled by an absolutely monstrous performance from Andrew Vaughn. His career night not only secured a crucial series win but also propelled the Crew to the best record in all of baseball. The celebration, however, was tempered by an injury to a key young star.
Since being called up on July 7, Andrew Vaughn has driven in 21 runs, trailing only Philadelphia's Kyle Schwarber for the most in Major League Baseball over that span.
Andrew Vaughn didn't just have a good night; he had the kind of night players dream about. Going 3-for-4, Vaughn single-handedly decimated the Cubs' pitching staff with a career-high six RBI. The centerpiece was a majestic grand slam that blew the game wide open, but he also added an RBI single and a sacrifice fly for good measure. It's not a fluke. Since rejoining the big-league club on July 7, Vaughn has been a run-producing machine. He's been the offensive catalyst the team needed, providing a powerful bat in the middle of the order that has been instrumental to their recent success.
The roar of the crowd in the fifth inning was a mix of excitement and concern. Rookie sensation Jackson Chourio smoked a leadoff triple, showcasing his elite speed, but pulled up lame as he slid into third base. He was immediately removed from the game with what the team is calling a right hamstring spasm. While the Brewers cruised to victory, the potential loss of Chourio for any length of time is a significant blow. The dynamic outfielder has been a key part of the team's identity, and fans will be anxiously awaiting an update on his condition.
Let's take a step back and appreciate what this team is doing. With the win, the Brewers are now 63-43, the best record in Major League Baseball. They've won 15 of their last 18 games and have extended their NL Central lead over the Cubs to a full two games. It's a testament to their depth and resilience. While Vaughn stole the headlines, starter Quinn Priester quietly turned in another quality performance, earning his 10th win of the season by allowing just two runs over 5 2/3 solid innings. This team is firing on all cylinders.
The Brewers' current dominance isn't just a flash in the pan; it's the product of a brilliantly managed organization. The farm system is now widely considered one of the deepest in the sport, boasting an incredible six Top 100 prospects. The pipeline is constantly churning out talent, with recent breakouts from 2024 draftees Marco Dinges and Tyson Hardin adding even more depth. This combination of a winning major league roster and a stacked minor league system means the Brewers aren't just built to win now—they're built to contend for years to come.
As the dust settles on a thrilling victory, the Brewers stand alone atop the baseball world. The immediate focus will be on Jackson Chourio's health, as his presence is vital for the stretch run. But even with that uncertainty, it's impossible not to be excited. With Andrew Vaughn providing middle-of-the-order thunder and a pitching staff holding its own, this team has proven it can overcome adversity. The pressure is on, but the 2025 Brewers look more than ready for the challenge.
