Cubs vs Brewers Game: A Deep Dive Into the Rivalry and Latest Matchup

Introduction
The Chicago Cubs and Milwaukee Brewers share a fierce rivalry known as the I‑94 series. Their proximity fuels heated matchups every season. In July 2025, they met at American Family Field in a pivotal three‑game series tied atop the NL Central.You know about theglobespot, andaazdaily, openrendz and cubs vs brewers game also Buzzfeed.
This article offers:
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Rivalry context and history
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A play-by-play of the latest matchup
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Analysis of key performances and turning points
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Team trends, stats and power rankings
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Why this series matters in the division race
H2: Rivalry Background — Cubs vs Brewers
H3: Origins and Rivalry Highlights
The teams first met in postseason form in 2018 during a Game 163 tiebreaker, which Milwaukee won. Since the Brewers joined the NL in 1997, the rivalry has intensified as one of the NL Central’s premier matchups Bleed Cubbie Blue+2Wikipedia+2Wikipedia+2Bleed Cubbie BlueBleed Cubbie Blue+1Bleed Cubbie Blue+1. The teams share an 83-mile drive along I‑94, hence the nickname “I‑94 Rivalry” Wikipedia+1Wikipedia+1.
H3: Recent Records and Streaks
Through June 2025, Cubs and Brewers split season matchups. Cubs won 5‑3 on June 18, while Brewers pulled out wins on July 28 and other contests ESPN.comCBSSports.comCubsHQ.comNorth Side Baseball. As of July 28, each team held identical 62–43 records, tied for first in the NL Central Brew Crew Ball+15Bleed Cubbie Blue+15Bleed Cubbie Blue+15.
H2: July 28, 2025 Game Recap — Brewers 8, Cubs 4
H3: Early Cubs Lead
The Cubs struck early. Rookie Jacob Misiorowski struggled, allowing a wild pitch and throwing error that gave Chicago a 2‑0 lead before they added runs on an Ian Happ single and misplay in Milwaukee’s defense ESPN.com+7MLB.com+7Reuters+7.
H3: Brewers’ Rally in the Third
Milwaukee responded in the third. Isaac Collins delivered a two‑run single and Christian Yelich followed with a booming RBI double. That gave the Brew Crew the advantage at 4‑3, flipping momentum MLB.comReuters.
H3: Cracking the Game Open
After tying at 4‑4, Andrew Vaughn homered off Matthew Boyd in the sixth to retake the lead. Next inning Sal Frelick launched a solo shot, and later Yelich crushed his 20th home run. Brewers pulled away to an 8‑4 win and took over first place alone Yahoo Sports+15Reuters+15ESPN.com+15. Trevor Megill earned the save, striking out Seiya Suzuki to seal the game FOX Sports+10Reuters+10winnersandwhiners.com+10.
H2: Key Players and Performances
H3: Brewers Standouts
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Christian Yelich: RBI double and two-run homer; 20th HR of season.
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Isaac Collins: Two-run single and stellar defense.
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Andrew Vaughn: Solo HR in sixth inning.
The Brewers’ offense came through at key moments, overcoming a shaky first inning CBSSports.com+3Reuters+3MLB.com+3.
H3: Cubs Contributors
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Ian Happ: Helped Cubs grab early lead with base hit.
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Kyle Tucker: RBI single in seventh briefly narrowed score before Brewers pulled away.
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Matthew Boyd: Started strong but reversed in mid-game. Paired with some bullpen lapses ESPN.com.
H3: Pitching & Bullpen Overview
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Misiorowski: Rough first inning but regrouped with three scoreless after.
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Boyd: Extended his scoreless streak before allowing key runs mid-game.
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Megill: Shut the door with his 24th save of season CubsHQ.com+7Reuters+7ESPN.com+7.
H2: Series Preview — Stakes and Trends
H3: Division Implications
This three-game set carried high significance—each team had identical records and battled for division lead. Game one gave Milwaukee sole possession of first place with Cubs trailing by a game after dropping opener Bleed Cubbie BlueSouth Side Sox.
H3: Pre-series Momentum
Both teams entered with strong recent resumes. Cubs rode winning stretch behind Matt Shaw’s hot bat (.444 average, recent HRs and RBIs) and Boyd’s dominant pitching MLB.com+15Bleed Cubbie Blue+15Bleed Cubbie Blue+15. Brewers surged behind offensive leaders Yelich and Frelick, plus rotation depth from rookie Misiorowski and others CubsHQ.com+8North Side Baseball+8ESPN.com+8.
H2: Tactical Analysis and Turning Points
H3: Momentum Shifts
Early Cubs mistakes opened door. Brewers capitalized in third inning. Yelich’s double and Collins’ hit shifted control. After another lead change, Cubs faded as Brewers powered their bullpen to finish strong.
H3: Sabermetrics & Season Metrics
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Cubs lead NL in hits and runs, boosted by league-best interleague success and performance after winning earlier series.
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Brewers hold emerging depth—eight players with projected fWAR above 2.0, including Yelich and Frelick North Side Baseball.
H2: Rivalry Moments & Memorable Matchups
H3: Earlier 2025 Cubs Wins
On June 18, Cubs beat Brewers 5‑3 in Chicago, led by homers from Seiya Suzuki and Pete Crow‑Armstrong, and strong pitching from Ben Brown and bullpen. Cubs took a division lead with that win Reddit+7ESPN.com+7CBSSports.com+7.
H3: June 19 Clash
Brewers edged Cubs 8‑7 in Wrigley, despite Crow‑Armstrong reaching his 20th homer and becoming the first Cubs player to reach 20/20 in under 80 games. Cubs starting pitcher Taillon struggled early CubsHQ.com+1Wikipedia+1.
H2: Broader Team and Positional Dynamics
H3: Cubs Strengths and Weaknesses
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Offense: Top-tier hitting, high run production, timely power from Tucker, Happ, Shaw.
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Pitching: Boyd strong; rotation inconsistent; bullpen has had recent blown spots Bleed Cubbie Bluewinnersandwhiners.com.
H3: Brewers Offensive Profile
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Balanced offensive output from Yelich, Collins, Frelick, and younger assets like Chourio and Ortiz.
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Recent statistical rise: projections show eight players with fWAR above 2.0 Bleed Cubbie Blue+5North Side Baseball+5Reddit+5.
H2: What to Expect in Game 2 and Series Outcome
H3: Upcoming Matchups
Series preview shows Cubs expected to counter with Shōta Imanaga or Matt Shaw, while Brewers lean on rotation depth. Cubs aim to rebound on road; Brewers seek to extend home dominance Wikipedia+2Bleed Cubbie Blue+2winnersandwhiners.com+2.
H3: Potential Series Edge
First game loss leaves Cubs needing to win two of next three. Meanwhile, Brewers have rotation depth and offensive momentum. Cubs’ hot bats and pitching remain threats. Series remains toss-up—recent trends give slight edge to Milwaukee.
H2: Community, Fans, and Media Reaction
H3: Fan Buzz and Reddit Discussion
Fans lit up social platforms. Cubs supporters lamented early mistakes and bullpen fade. Brewers fans celebrated comeback resilience. Signals: high tension and playoff-level engagement RedditReddit.
H3: Media Coverage and Commentary
Analysts characterized the opening game as turning point: Cubs squandered early lead; Brewers executed timely hitting. “Week 16” coverage pointed to Cubs hitters slumping at critical division moments South Side Sox.
H2: Looking Ahead — Season Stakes and Division Race
H3: NL Central Implications
Milwaukee moves into sole possession of first place after victory. Cubs now trail.
Both aim to build momentum heading into trade deadline. Cubs debating upgrades to rotation or third base; Brewers evaluating depth moves ESPN.com.
H3: Remaining Matchups and Balance
Both clubs control schedule upswing. Cubs have upcoming AL series, then back home. Brewers likely to face tougher divisional slate but hold advantage at home-field matchups with Cubs.
H2: Recap & Key Takeaways
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Rivalry roots run deep from history and geography.
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On July 28, Brewers overcame early Cubs lead 8‑4 in a division-altering game.
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Key performers: Yelich, Collins, Vaughn, Happ, Tucker.
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Cubs showed early dominance but faded mid-game; Brewers capitalized on momentum shifts.
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Cubs still have offensive firepower and pitching talent—still a live contender.
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Series remains balanced with stakes high at trade deadline and division race.
Conclusion
The Cubs vs Brewers game on July 28 embodied everything fans expect from NL Central play: rivalry history, clutch hitting, momentum swings, and playoff stakes. Milwaukee’s comeback win serves as a statement in a tight division race. Cubs remain dangerous but must clean up early mistakes and tighten bullpen blowups to compete.
This series matters not just for today, but for positioning into August and beyond. With both teams able to win this series, expect fireworks and drama ahead.