Alex Bregman began August without ever having a three-home-run game in his career. However, by the month’s end, he achieved this feat twice. On Monday night, he hit his second trio of homers within three weeks. This remarkable performance capped a powerful August for the Chicago Cubs.
The Cubs set a franchise record by hitting nine home runs during their 17-3 win over the Milwaukee Brewers at Wrigley Field, thereby concluding August with 62 homers. This achievement is second only to the 2019 New York Yankees, who hit 74 in April, and marks a new National League record.
Bregman joins a select group of Cubs players who have multiple three-home-run games in a single season, including Aramis Ramírez, Sammy Sosa, and Dave Kingman. “The consistency in at-bats during the second half has been excellent,” Bregman stated. “Our lineup is proving tough for opposing teams. It’s a good start to the series, and tomorrow offers another opportunity.”
The Cubs leveraged Milwaukee Brewers starter Kyle Harrison’s fastball, scoring their first seven runs against it and securing a 9-0 lead within four innings. Contributing players included Tyrone Taylor, Nico Hoerner, Carson Kelly, Seiya Suzuki, and Miguel Amaya. Bregman delivered two additional home runs which bolstered the Cubs’ score.
In contrast, the Brewers eventually had first baseman Andrew Vaughn take the mound for the final two innings. The Cubs capitalized on this, scoring seven more runs, including another trio of homers. Cubs starter Clay Holmes performed exceptionally, maintaining a six-inning shutout with five hits, two walks, and eight strikeouts despite challenging weather conditions.
Holmes remarked on the Cubs’ palpable energy following recent defeats, emphasizing how crucial it was to begin strong. He credited the team’s offensive prowess. Bregman and Pete Crow-Armstrong achieved a rare milestone, becoming the first teammates since Roger Maris and Mickey Mantle to collectively exceed 25 home runs, 25 walks, 50 RBIs, and 50 runs scored in a month.
Cubs manager Craig Counsell praised Bregman’s relentless preparation and dedication. Nevertheless, despite the remarkable stats, the Cubs closed the month with a 16-12 record, trailing the Brewers by seven games in the NL Central.
Counsell acknowledged the difficulty in matching the Brewers’ pace, who are running on a projected 100-win season, and expressed confidence in the Cubs’ competitiveness without expectations of becoming a 100-win team. The Cubs previously had a commanding lead in the NL’s top wild-card spot, which diminished following a challenging West Coast trip and their loss to the Cincinnati Reds.
Counsell emphasized that the team isn’t preoccupied with postseason standings. “We aim to play as many home games as possible but are fully prepared for road challenges,” he affirmed.