Jackson Chourio Shines Before Injury as Brewers Defeat Cubs 9-3 in NLDS Opener in Milwaukee

Saturday, October 4th, 2025

Milwaukee Brewers Dominate Chicago Cubs 9-3 in NL Division Series Opener

The Milwaukee Brewers made a commanding start to the NL Division Series, securing a 9-3 win over the Chicago Cubs. The Brewers unleashed their offense early, building a sizable lead within the first two innings at American Family Field.

Jackson Chourio’s Historic Performance and Injury

Jackson Chourio delivered an extraordinary performance, going 3 for 3 and driving in three runs within the opening two innings. Chourio became the first player ever to notch three hits in the first two innings of a postseason game. Unfortunately, his day ended abruptly as he exited with hamstring tightness after an infield single. Chourio previously missed a month in the regular season due to a strained right hamstring, leaving his status for Game 2 uncertain.

Brewers’ Explosive Start

The Brewers wasted no time against the Cubs, jumping out to a 9-1 advantage in just two innings. The highlight came in the first, when Brice Turang and William Contreras hit consecutive doubles, capped by an RBI single from Blake Perkins and a two-run base hit by Chourio. Milwaukee matched their franchise record for most runs in a postseason inning, sending a clear message to their division rivals.

Pitching Performances

Freddy Peralta anchored Milwaukee’s pitching, going 5 2/3 innings with nine strikeouts, tying the franchise single-game playoff record held by Don Sutton, Yovani Gallardo, and Brandon Woodruff. Peralta limited the Cubs to just a pair of home runs from Michael Busch and Ian Happ. Later, Nico Hoerner added a solo shot in the eighth inning off Jared Koenig.

Chicago’s pitching struggled early. Manager Craig Counsell’s strategic gamble to start Matthew Boyd on short rest fell short, as Boyd was pulled in the first inning. Relievers Aaron Civale and Ben Brown provided bright spots, combining for 6 1/3 innings of scoreless relief after the early deficit.

Fan Atmosphere and Craig Counsell’s Return

The atmosphere inside American Family Field was energetic and decidedly pro-Brewers, a contrast to the typical division of fans during Brewers-Cubs contests. Brewers fans expressed their displeasure towards Cubs manager Craig Counsell, formerly the winningest manager in Brewers history who departed for the Cubs after the 2023 season. Counsell was met with consistent boos from the Milwaukee faithful.

Offensive Highlights and Milestones

The Brewers offense, which struggled late in the regular season, broke through with their bats, delivering more than four runs in a postseason outing for just the second time in their last fourteen playoff games. The early onslaught included a two-run single from rookie Caleb Durbin and a scoring single from Chourio, providing the team with a comfortable cushion.

In summary

The Milwaukee Brewers surged past the Chicago Cubs 9-3 in the NL Division Series opener, powered by Jackson Chourio's historic three-hit contribution before departing with a hamstring injury. Freddy Peralta tied the team’s playoff strikeout record, and the Brewers offense matched their postseason single-inning run milestone, overcoming division rivals in front of an electric home crowd. With Chourio's status in question for Game 2, the Brewers carry momentum into the next matchup and assert themselves as postseason contenders.

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