Cubs Set August Record with Explosive Home Run Performance

Alex Bregman began August without a single three-home-run game in his career. By the end of the month, he notched up two such games, both within three weeks. His latest feat capped off a high-powered August for the Chicago Cubs. The Cubs hit a franchise record nine home runs in a commanding 17-3 win over the Milwaukee Brewers at Wrigley Field, showcasing their potent offensive capabilities.

They ended August with 62 home runs, a number second only in MLB history to the 2019 New York Yankees, who hit 74 in April. This also marked a new National League record for most home runs in a calendar month. Bregman’s achievement places him among only four Cubs players to record multiple three-home-run games in a season, joining the ranks of Aramis Ramírez, Sammy Sosa, and Dave Kingman.

The quality of at-bat in the second half has been super consistent throughout the lineup, making it tough on opposing teams,” Bregman commented. “Players are focusing on their strengths, resulting in excellent at-bats. Overall, the series has started well, and with each new day, we continue to push forward.

The Cubs (78-60) exploited Brewers starter Kyle Harrison’s fastball, scoring their first seven runs off his pitches. They built a 9-0 lead within four innings. Tyrone Taylor, Nico Hoerner, and Carson Kelly contributed to an early lead. Bregman added a two-run homer in the second inning, with more runs following in the fourth through Seiya Suzuki, Bregman again, and Miguel Amaya’s bases-loaded walk.

Andrew Vaughn, the Brewers’ first baseman, pitched the final two innings, during which the Cubs added seven runs, including three more homers. Cubs pitcher Clay Holmes delivered a strong performance, completing six shutout innings with five hits, two walks, and eight strikeouts. Despite challenging weather conditions affecting his grip, he effectively used his sinker pitch to achieve 11 called strikes.

In his recent starts, Holmes has conceded only a single run over 25 innings, reflecting a remarkable 0.36 ERA. “The offense’s energy is palpable,” Holmes stated. “After some recent losses, the team wanted to come back strong, and their determination was evident. With a lead, especially against a contact-oriented team, pitching becomes even more manageable.”

Bregman and teammate Pete Crow-Armstrong became the first MLB pair to accumulate over 25 home runs, 25 walks, 50 RBIs, and 50 runs scored in a month since Yankees legends Roger Maris and Mickey Mantle in 1961. They also set a record as the first Cubs duo and the first MLB teammates since 1999 to hit at least 12 homers each in a month.

He is relentless in his preparation and daily efforts,” Cubs manager Craig Counsell praised Bregman. “His dedication is unmatched.

The Cubs’ victory began a pivotal 10-day stretch, including seven games against the Brewers, that may determine their contention for the NL Central title. They now trail first-place Milwaukee by seven games. Despite their record-setting performance, the Cubs finished August with a 16-12 record, not enough to pressure the Brewers significantly.

Craig Counsell stated, “We have 13 opportunities against the Brewers, but beyond that, we focus only on our games. The Brewers exemplify excellence, nearing a 100-win pace which is difficult to compete with. They are a strong team. We are also strong, even without a 100-win trajectory. That’s our current story.”

Initially holding a strong position, the Cubs’ lead in the NL’s top wild-card slot has dwindled due to recent struggles, including a challenging West Coast trip and losing a series to the Cincinnati Reds. The surging Phillies have entered a tie for the first wild-card position, but the Cubs maintain a tiebreaker over Philadelphia.

Does everyone want as many home games as possible? Absolutely. But avoiding challenges on the road isn’t our approach,” Counsell asserted. “We face challenges head-on, as every competitor should.