Covering the bases 8/21/2025: Brewers 4, Cubs 1
While it wasn't the series outcome the Milwaukee Brewers wanted, notching bookend wins over the Chicago Cubs was just what they needed Thursday. The Brewers overcame eight walks issued by their pitchers and snapped a three-game losing streak with a 4-1 win over the Cubs at Wrigley Field. The Brewers became the first team in MLB to reach 80 wins, while also moving back to seven games ahead of the second-place Cubs in the NL Central. The Crew reached 80 wins in 128 games, the fastest in franchise history (132 in 2021). This was this the final regular-season game between the top two teams in the division this season.
FIRST BASE: Collins tacks on
The Brewers were in desperate need of adding a cushion late in the game. Thanks to new dad Isaac Collins, they got that much-needed insurance. With one out, Andruw Monasterio singled and Sal Frelick hit a wind-blown double into the right-field corner that allowed Monasterio to only get to third. But Collins came through with a two-run single to right to turn a 2-1 game into a 4-1 game. Once Collins reached first, he did the rock the baby motion back to the Brewers' dugout. Collins and his wife welcomed a baby boy last weekend.
SECOND BASE: Another Ortiz injury
For the second time in three games, shortstop Joey Ortiz left the game early with an injury. This one appeared to be a left hamstring that he injured as he was trying to beat out a grounder to end the fifth inning. In the second game of Tuesday's doubleheader, Ortiz fouled a ball of his right knee. He finished the at-bat but was replaced defensively by Monasterio, who also came into the game for Ortiz on Thursday. Manager Pat Murphy said Ortiz would have an MRI to determine the extent of the injury. Monasterio would be the favorite to start in Ortiz's place.
THIRD BASE: Priester solid
Right-handed starter Quinn Priester wasn't sharp, but he was effective enough for what the Brewers needed. Priester lasted just 4⅓ innings, but only allowed three hits. Unfortunately, walks were a factor as he issued five and pushed his pitch count to 95. Two of those walks came in the fifth, as the Cubs chased Priester and scored their only run. The bullpen finished the job, with Nick Mears, Grant Anderson, Jared Koenig, Abner Uribe and Trevor Megill not allowing a run and only yielding two hits. Uribe struggled with his control in the eighth, walking a pair. Megill picked up his 30th save, allowing the Brewers to win their 15th straight when Priester pitches.
HOME PLATE: Turang time
Everyone knew Brice Turang was going to be excellent defensively in the majors. The question was going to be how much he would contribute offensively. He has gotten better each of his three seasons in the show, but he is going to another level in August. Turang hit his 14th homer of the season, extending his career best, with a two-run homer in the second inning. Turang has eight homers in August, which matches the most he hit in a season (2024). Turang also has the second-most homers of any MLB hitter in August, behind the 10 by the A's Shea Langeliers.
EXTRA BASES: Adames' return
⚾ Shortstop Willy Adames makes his return to American Family Field with the San Francisco Giants, who will face Brewers left-hander Jose Quintana (10-4, 3.32 ERA) in today's series opener. Quintana was very good his last time out, even though the Brewers lost to the Cincinnati Reds to end their club-record 14-game winning streak. In 6⅓ innings, Quintana one run on five hits and one walk with four strikeouts. Rookie left-hander Carson Whisenhunt (1-1, 5.02 ERA) goes for the Giants. He has made just three MLB appearances, all starts, with seven walks and 12 strikeouts in 14⅓ innings.
⚾ The Cubs honored late Brewers icon Bob Uecker by replaying his rendition of "Take Me Out to the Ball Game."
