The Milwaukee Brewers secured a 4-2 victory over the Chicago Cubs on Friday night, with Jackson Chourio hitting his first career grand slam in the fourth inning. The Brewers, who lead the NL Central, extended their lead over the Cubs to 11 1/2 games following a recent sweep of the Texas Rangers.

Colin Rea delivered a solid performance on the mound for the Brewers, allowing only two runs on three hits over 5 1/3 innings. Rea, who improved his record to 7-2, expressed his admiration for Chourio’s pivotal grand slam, highlighting the young player’s high talent level and aggressive play.

Chourio, who is currently batting .328 with impressive stats in his last 21 games, emphasized his growing confidence and happiness with his performance. Brewers manager Pat Murphy commended the 20-year-old rookie for his progress and ability to seize opportunities on the field.

The game marked the second consecutive instance of the Brewers hitting a grand slam with the bases loaded, with Jake Bauers achieving the feat in the previous game. On the Cubs’ side, Jameson Taillon had a decent outing despite giving up the crucial grand slam to Chourio, expressing disappointment in his pitch selection.

Seiya Suzuki contributed to the Brewers’ victory with a home run in the fourth inning, while Dansby Swanson added a run-scoring hit to secure the win. The Cubs, managed by Craig Counsell, faced their 15th road game loss in the last 20 games, with Taillon acknowledging his error in allowing the game-changing grand slam.

The Brewers’ strong performance and Chourio’s standout grand slam have solidified their position at the top of the NL Central, showcasing the team’s depth and talent as they continue their season.