The Chicago Cubs delivered a dominant performance against the Milwaukee Brewers on Friday night, May 2, 2025, winning decisively with a score of 10-0 at American Family Field. This victory marks the second consecutive game the Brewers have been shut out by seven or more runs, an unfortunate milestone they haven’t reached since September 2001. The Cubs, now boasting a 20-13 record, showcased their offensive prowess while the Brewers struggled to find their footing.
Starting pitcher Ben Brown was instrumental in the Cubs' success, throwing six shutout innings without issuing a walk. This achievement makes him the first Cubs pitcher to accomplish this since Kyle Hendricks did so on July 24, 2020. Brown's performance was a stark contrast to his previous outing against the Brewers, where he no-hit them for seven innings last May. He allowed just five hits and struck out several batters, effectively keeping the Brewers' lineup at bay.
On the other side, the Brewers opted for a unique pitching strategy, utilizing Tyler Alexander as an opener before bringing in Quinn Priester as the bulk pitcher. Unfortunately for Milwaukee, Priester faced a disastrous second inning, where he was rocked for seven runs, leading to an early deficit that the team could not recover from. The Cubs capitalized on Priester’s struggles, with big hits from Nico Hoerner, Kyle Tucker, and Seiya Suzuki, who collectively contributed to a commanding lead.
Among the highlights of the game was a grand slam hit by Michael Busch, which pushed the Cubs' lead to 8-0 in the second inning. Following Busch's slam, Pete Crow-Armstrong added to the Cubs' tally with a home run of his own, making it a 10-0 game. The Brewers have now failed to score a run in 19 consecutive innings, a concerning trend that manager Pat Murphy addressed post-game.
"It's not good," Murphy said when asked about the team's morale. "Nobody's given up hope on May 3. But we've had this happen to us before, right? We have that many starting pitchers down – what would other teams do?" The Brewers are currently facing significant challenges, with several key pitchers sidelined due to injuries, which has forced them to rely on less experienced players in critical situations.
The Cubs entered this matchup riding high after winning two of three games against the Pittsburgh Pirates, where Ian Happ shone with three hits and an RBI in the final game of that series. The Cubs' current run differential stands at +52, a season high, which is a testament to their offensive capabilities. They lead the league in runs scored, averaging 6.00 runs per game, and have been particularly effective against divisional opponents.
As the Cubs continue to build momentum, they will look to maintain their strong performance throughout the season. The Brewers, on the other hand, will need to regroup quickly as they prepare for their next game against the Cubs, which is crucial for their chances of staying competitive in the division.
Looking ahead, the Brewers are set to face the Cubs again in a rematch, with hopes of breaking their scoring drought and finding a way to counter the Cubs' potent offense. The Cubs will aim to continue their winning streak and solidify their position at the top of the National League Central.
Game details for the next matchup include:
- Date: Saturday, May 3, 2025
- Time: 7:10 p.m. ET
- Location: American Family Field, Milwaukee, WI
- TV Channel: Apple TV+
As the season progresses, both teams will be looking to make adjustments and capitalize on their respective strengths. The Cubs' ability to score runs and pitch effectively will be pivotal as they aim for postseason contention, while the Brewers must address their offensive struggles to remain competitive in the division.
