The Brewers’ dream run is rolling right into the postseason, and Saturday’s NLDS game against the Cubs showed exactly why this team feels different in 2025. Milwaukee routed the Cubs, hitting 9 runs, but without any homers! They might not rely on the long ball, but the Brewers surely know how to pile up runs. Courtesy: Jackson Chourio!

Chourio went 3-for-3, kicking things off with a leadoff double in that explosive six-run first inning and later capping it with a two-run single. It made him the first player in MLB to record three hits in the first two innings of a playoff game. But the excitement quickly turned to concern when Chourio had to leave in the second inning with a hamstring injury. And judging by what manager Pat Murphy said after the game, Brewers fans might not like the latest update on their young star.

“Getting the hamstring injury to the same leg — we’re hoping it’s something he can come back from. […] Could be devastating.”

MLB insider Karl Winter cited Murphy, stating, “Jackson Chourio is getting an MRI on his hamstring now.” After his third hit, Chourio hustled out in the second inning. He had to leave the game with tightness in his right hamstring.

Now, what’s more concerning is that it is the same issue that sidelined the 21-year-old for about a month earlier this summer.

According to Murphy, Jackson Chourio will undergo further testing before the series resumes on Monday. But if the results bring bad news, the Brewers could be facing a tough new test. That means keeping their postseason momentum going without their hottest bat in the lineup.

Although the Brewers were quick to field utilityman Isaac Collins in place of Chourio, the question is whether that move can keep things rolling for Milwaukee.

Jackson Chourio’s been a key piece in his second full season, slashing .270/.308/.463 with 21 HRs and 78 RBIs over 589 plate appearances. Collins, on the other hand, has played in 130 games this year. He posted a .263 average with 9HRs and 54 RBIs. So now, time will answer if the Brewers’ surprise rookie can carry that same spark into the postseason.

Beyond Jackson Chourio: The Brewers are a different beast this year

The Brewers’ performance was not a fluke or one-off coming from individual brilliance.

Milwaukee heads into the playoffs as baseball’s top team, wrapping up the regular season with a franchise-best 97 wins. That includes an incredible 14-game winning streak.

They went 6–7 against the Cubs during the regular season, so this NLDS matchup wasn’t expected to be a one-sided affair. But it is the Brewers’ brilliance this year that made the game this dominating.

However, while the Brewers have looked every bit like a powerhouse, they’re not without their vulnerabilities.

Injuries have hit at the worst possible time, right as they were locking down the NL Central title. While Trevor Megill has returned, the statuses of Jose Quintana and Brandon Woodruff are what could further haunt the team in the NLDS. Without them, Milwaukee could face some real challenges.

Still, for now, the Brewers look every bit the part of a contender. They’ve shown early on that they’re ready to handle whatever the Cubs throw their way.