Andrew Vaughn hits grand slam, drives in 6 runs as NL Central-leading Brewers defeat Cubs 9-3

MILWAUKEE (AP) — Andrew Vaughn hit a grand slam and had a career-high six RBIs as the surging Milwaukee Brewers defeated the Chicago Cubs 9-3 on Tuesday night.

Milwaukee’s Jackson Chourio and Chicago’s Ian Happ left the game early. Chourio suffered a right hamstring spasm while hitting a leadoff triple in the fifth inning. Happ departed after fouling the ball off either the top of his left foot or the lower part of his left shin in the eighth.

The Brewers, who have the best record in baseball at 63-43, won for the 15th time in 18 games. They extended their NL Central lead to two games over Chicago.

Vaughn’s grand slam off Ryan Pressly was a 409-foot shot to left that gave Milwaukee a 9-2 lead in the sixth. Vaughn, who went 3 for 4, also drove in a run with a sacrifice fly in the second and hit an RBI single in the fifth.

Chicago’s Nico Hoerner went 3 for 4 with a solo homer.

Milwaukee’s Quinn Priester (10-2) allowed two runs and eight hits in 5 2/3 innings while striking out three and walking two. Aaron Ashby allowed one run in 3 1/3 innings to earn his second save.

Chicago’s Colin Rea (8-5) allowed four runs and eight hits in four innings. He struck out two and walked one.

Key moment

Trailing 2-1, the Cubs had runners on third and second with one out in the fourth. In the fifth, they had men on the corners with one out. They failed to score each time.

In the fourth inning, Dansby Swanson struck out swinging for the second out. Reese McGuire then hit a dribbler just to the left of home plate that was ruled fair by home plate umpire D.J. Reyburn, and catcher William Contreras grabbed the ball and tagged him for the final out.

Seiya Suzuki grounded into a 5-4-3 double play to end the fifth.

Key stat

Vaughn has 21 RBIs since the Brewers called him up from the minors on July 7. The only major league player with more RBIs during that stretch is Philadelphia’s Kyle Schwarber.

Up next

Shota Imanaga (7-4, 3.12 ERA) starts for Chicago and Freddy Peralta (12-4. 2.81) pitches for Milwaukee as the Brewers attempt to complete a three-game sweep Wednesday.

___

AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/MLB

Chicago Cubs’ Ian Happ (8) is helped off the field by a trainer and manager Craig Counsell (11) after suffering an injury during the eighth inning of a baseball game against the Milwaukee Brewers, Tuesday, July 29, 2025, in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/Aaron Gash)
Milwaukee Brewers’ Jackson Chourio (11) reacts after suffering an injury during the fifth inning of a baseball game against the Chicago Cubs, Tuesday, July 29, 2025, in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/Aaron Gash)
Milwaukee Brewers’ Andrew Vaughn (28) is congratulated by first base coach Julio Borbon (41) after hitting an RBI single during the fifth inning of a baseball game against the Chicago Cubs, Tuesday, July 29, 2025, in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/Aaron Gash)

News from © The Associated Press, . All rights reserved.
This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Join the Conversation!

Want to share your thoughts, add context, or connect with others in your community? Create a free account to comment on stories, ask questions, and join meaningful discussions on our new site.

Leave a Reply

You must be logged in to post a comment.
The Associated Press

The Associated Press is an independent global news organization dedicated to factual reporting. Founded in 1846, AP today remains the most trusted source of fast, accurate, unbiased news in all formats and the essential provider of the technology and services vital to the news business. More than half the world’s population sees AP journalism every day.