Cubs Power Surge in August: Home Run Records and Playoff Push

Alex Bregman began August without a three-home-run game to his name. By the end of the month, he had two. Bregman cemented his latest feat during a high-powered Cubs victory, which capped off an exceptional offensive month at Wrigley Field. The Cubs set a franchise record with nine home runs in their 17-3 triumph over the Milwaukee Brewers, marking their August as a standout in power production.

A total of 62 home runs in August placed the Cubs second in MLB history, trailing only the 2019 New York Yankees’ record of 74 home runs in April. This performance also set a National League record for home runs in a calendar month.

Bregman joined an elite group of Cubs players with multiple three-home-run games in a season, following the likes of Aramis Ramírez, Sammy Sosa, and Dave Kingman. Reflecting on this consistency, Bregman emphasized the team’s strong at-bats and determination. “Once the clock hits midnight, it’s a new day,” he remarked about the series start.

In Monday’s game, the Cubs dominated Brewers starter Kyle Harrison’s fastball, scoring their initial seven runs off his pitches. By the fourth inning, they led 9-0. Tyrone Taylor, Nico Hoerner, and Carson Kelly provided early offense, while Bregman and Seiya Suzuki added crucial home runs. Suzuki celebrated with manager Craig Counsell after his home run in the fourth inning.

The Brewers resorted to Andrew Vaughn for pitching in the last innings, which allowed the Cubs to rack up seven runs, including three home runs. Cubs pitcher Clay Holmes delivered six scoreless innings, despite challenging weather conditions, maintaining a stalwart ERA of 0.36 across his recent starts.

Holmes commended the team’s energy after overcoming series losses, noticing the offense’s resolve to perform. The Cubs’ formidable display included strong performances from Bregman and Pete Crow-Armstrong, who achieved milestones not seen since Roger Maris and Mickey Mantle in 1961.

Cubs manager Craig Counsell praised Bregman’s relentless commitment. This game marked the beginning of a decisive period for the Cubs, as they face the Brewers multiple times in pursuit of an NL Central title. Despite their remarkable August, the Cubs trailed the Brewers by seven games in the standings.

Counsell reflected on the arduous pace set by the Brewers, acknowledging their superiority this season. He noted the resilience of both teams, stating, “We’re not going to be a 100-win team this year, but we’re a good team.”

The Cubs encountered challenges that affected their wild card lead, facing tough opponents and losing a series to the Reds. With the Phillies sharing the lead for the NL wild card, the Cubs maintained an edge through a tiebreaker.

Counsell assured that the Cubs were focused on the current challenges, emphasizing a desire to face challenges both at home and on the road, in pursuit of postseason success.