Cubs Beat Brewers as Michael Bush’s Leadoff Homer Sparks Chicago Comeback

By Oliver Wiener August 04, 2025 12:56

The Chicago Cubs avoided a potential sweep at the hands of the Milwaukee Brewers with a commanding 10-3 victory on July 30, 2025, thanks largely to Michael Busch’s electrifying leadoff home run that ignited a much-needed comeback. Busch’s first-pitch blast set the tone early and was a key catalyst in the Cubs’ offensive explosion at American Family Field.

Busch, the Cubs’ slugging first baseman and emerging star, opened the game with a towering 388-foot home run to right-center on a 94.2 mph four-seam fastball, marking his 21st homer of the 2025 season. This leadoff shot immediately energized Chicago and gave the team an early lead against Milwaukee’s starter Freddy Peralta, who had been on a winning streak before this outing. Busch’s homer came with an exit velocity of 109.4 mph and a launch angle of 23 degrees, demonstrating his raw power and excellent timing.

The Cubs wasted no time building on Busch’s momentum. Moisés Ballesteros followed with a sensational bases-clearing double, driving in three runs and extending Chicago's lead significantly. Ballesteros' clutch hit showcased the Cubs’ depth and ability to produce big plays beyond their marquee stars. Other notable offensive contributions came from Ian Happ and Pete Crow-Armstrong, who both added home runs, complementing Busch’s early fireworks and rounding out a powerful display of hitting that the Cubs have exhibited consistently this season.

On the mound, starter Shota Imanaga delivered a strong performance, striking out eight batters over five innings while giving up three runs and five hits. His ability to stifle Milwaukee’s lineup kept the Cubs in control early and allowed the offense to settle comfortably into their rhythm. Meanwhile, Peralta’s streak ended as he surrendered a season-high five runs in four innings, unable to contend with Chicago’s energized bats.

After the earlier losses in the series, this win was crucial for Chicago, who pushed their record to 59-39 on the season and improved to 31-9 in games where they’ve hit at least two home runs. The victory also helped them avoid a sweep and maintain pressure in the tightly contested National League Central division, where the Brewers currently hold a slender lead over the Cubs.

Manager David Ross highlighted the significance of the game-changing moments, saying, “Michael set the tone from the first pitch. His confidence and power have really grown this season. That leadoff homer ignited the team and made a big difference in how we approached the game.” Ross also praised Ballesteros, noting, “Moisés came through with the timely hit when we needed it most. These kinds of contributions from our lineup show our depth and fight.”

Busch himself reflected on his key role: “I’m just trying to get on base and set the table. Getting that first-pitch homer was a huge boost for me and the team. It was important to come out strong and send a message that we’re not backing down.” His .278 batting average, power numbers, and clutch hitting continue to elevate his status as one of the Cubs’ offensive pillars in 2025.

In summary, the Cubs’ 10-3 win over the Brewers on July 30 was propelled by Michael Busch’s leadoff home run that sparked an early offensive surge. Complemented by Moisés Ballesteros’ three-run double and strong performances all around, Chicago avoided a sweep and kept pace in the NL Central race. With balanced hitting and sound pitching, the Cubs look poised to maintain their contender status in the second half of the season.