Busch's leadoff homer, Ballesteros' 3-run double help Cubs beat Brewers 10-3 to avoid sweep

Cubs Crush Brewers in Blowout Win, Avoid Sweep

Chicago Steals Wednesday Game with Power Surge

MILWAUKEE - Michael Busch's first pitch homer and a bases-clearing double from Moisés Ballesteros fueled the Chicago Cubs to a decisive 10-3 victory over the Milwaukee Brewers on Wednesday. The win prevented the Cubs from being swept in their three-game series.

Milwaukee still holds a one-game lead over Chicago in the NL Central. The two teams will clash again in a five-game series at Chicago from August 18th to 21st.

Ian Happ also contributed with a homer, while Pete Crow-Armstrong delivered a 3-for-4 performance featuring two doubles and Kyle Tucker added 2 hits and 2 RBIs for the Cubs.

Contreras' Fifth Two-Homer Game

Despite the loss, Brewers catcher William Contreras put on a show with his fifth career multi-homer game. The two-time All-Star had only hit one homer since May 23rd.

Pitching Performance:

Cubs starter Shota Imanaga (8-4) dominated with eight strikeouts, zero walks, and only three runs and five hits allowed over five innings.

Brewers pitcher Freddy Peralta (12-5), who had won his last seven starts, struggled, giving up a season-high five runs in four innings.

Game Highlights:

• Busch's 388-foot homer on the first pitch of the game marked his 21st homer of the season.
• Contreras answered with a home run of his own, ending his drought since June 14th.
• Crow-Armstrong's grounder that deflected off Brice Turang's glove in the third inning put Chicago ahead 2-1.
• Ballesteros' three-run double later in the third extended the Cubs lead.

Looking Ahead:

Cade Horton (4-3, 3.67) is set to pitch for the Cubs on Friday against visiting Baltimore. José Quintana (7-4, 3.50) will take the mound for Milwaukee as they host Washington and Mitchell Parker (7-10, 4.91).

Peralta's Strikeout Milestone

Freddy Peralta recorded three strikeouts, bringing his career total to 1,083. This surpasses Teddy Higuera's franchise record of 1,081, placing Peralta third all-time behind Yovani Gallardo (1,226) and Ben Sheets (1,206).