In August, Alex Bregman added two three-home-run games to his career, capping a remarkable stretch for the Chicago Cubs. On Monday night, the Cubs hit a franchise-record nine home runs, sealing a 17-3 victory over the Milwaukee Brewers at Wrigley Field. This overwhelming win highlighted their impressive month, during which the Cubs smashed 62 home runs. This figure ranks second in MLB history behind only the New York Yankees, who hit 74 in April 2019 and sets a new National League record for home runs in a single month.
Bregman joins the ranks of Cubs players like Aramis Ramírez, Sammy Sosa, and Dave Kingman, who achieved multiple three-home-run games in a season. Bregman noted the consistency in the team’s at-bats during the second half of the season, emphasizing the lineup’s challenge to opposing teams.
“The quality of at-bat in the second half, it’s been super consistent up and down the lineup, and it’s been tough on opposing teams,” Bregman said. “Once the clock hits midnight, it’s a new day and get after it again tomorrow.”
The Cubs capitalized on Brewers starter Kyle Harrison, building a 9-0 lead by the fourth inning with powerful hits, including home runs from Tyrone Taylor, Nico Hoerner, Carson Kelly, and Seiya Suzuki. Andrew Vaughn’s turn on the mound for the Brewers ended in disaster for Milwaukee; the Cubs added seven runs, including three more home runs.
Clay Holmes delivered for the Cubs with six shutout innings, five hits, and eight strikeouts. Despite challenging weather conditions, Holmes effectively used his sinker to secure key outs. Over his last four starts, Holmes has allowed only one earned run across 25 innings, achieving a 0.36 ERA.
Bregman and teammate Pete Crow-Armstrong achieved a rare feat in MLB history by combining for impressive statistics in August. They matched the Yankees’ Roger Maris and Mickey Mantle’s accomplishments from July 1961 with 25+ home runs, 25+ walks, 50+ RBIs, and 50+ runs scored. They are the first Cubs pair to each hit at least 12 home runs in a month and follow the Rangers’ Rafael Palmeiro and Iván Rodríguez in August 1999.
Cubs manager Craig Counsell praised Bregman’s persistence, noting his relentless approach in preparation and performance. As the Cubs face the Brewers seven times in a crucial 10-day period, they remain seven games behind Milwaukee in the NL Central. Although their August record was 16-12, they couldn’t pressure the Brewers significantly.
With the Phillies tying for the first NL wild-card spot, Counsell stresses focusing on their own games rather than postseason positions. He acknowledged the importance of playing at home but highlighted the team’s readiness to take on road challenges.
“Does everybody want to play at home as many games as we can? Absolutely, absolutely. We want to play at home. Are we going to shy away from a challenge on the road? Nope. So, that’s how we look at it, and that’s how every competitor looks at it.”