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MILWAUKEE — As the challenging months of April and May transitioned into a historic second half, 20-year-old Brewers rookie Jackson Chourio grew so confident that he occasionally predicted his home runs before they occurred. For instance, on September 2 against the Cardinals, during the sixth inning with nobody on deck or in the batter’s box, Chourio announced that the Brewers were about to load the bases and that he would hit a grand slam. Miraculously, it happened.
You couldn’t fault a teammate or two who glanced toward Chourio in the eighth inning of Game 2 of the NL Wild Card Series on Wednesday. The Brewers trailed by a run and were down to their last six outs of the season, with Chourio set to lead off. However, this time he remained silent. The fans at American Family Field not dressed in Mets blue and black tensed at the prospect of enduring another first-round postseason exit.
That silence didn’t last long. Chourio replicated what he had accomplished seven innings earlier, hitting a game-tying home run to the opposite field, which revived the Brewers in what turned into a 5-3 victory over the Mets, following Garrett Mitchell’s two-run go-ahead homer and Devin Williams securing the first postseason save of his career.
The Brewers are advancing to a crucial Game 3 in the series because, akin to a child on the sandlot, Chourio wasn’t ready to call it a day.
“He’s just a kid, and we often say that,” remarked fellow outfielder Sal Frelick, who at 24 considers himself a veteran. “I hope he never loses that childlike essence because it’s truly special.”
Chourio is indeed a young player who continues to find himself among remarkable company.
• With his leadoff home run in the bottom of the first inning off Mets starter Sean Manaea after New York took a 1-0 lead, and another homer in the eighth off Mets setup man Phil Maton to reverse a 3-2 deficit, Chourio distinguished himself as the second player in Major League history to hit two game-tying homers in a postseason match, according to STATS. The first was Babe Ruth in Game 4 of the 1928 World Series.
• This does not include go-ahead homers. Thus, it’s noteworthy that Chourio is now alongside the Rays’ Evan Longoria as the only rookies to hit multiple game-tying or go-ahead homers in the same postseason game. Longoria accomplished this in Game 1 of the 2008 AL Division Series.
• Just four hitters have hit home runs in the postseason at a younger age, all of whom are well-known: Jones in 1996 for the Braves, Miguel Cabrera in 2003 for the Marlins, and both Bryce Harper for the Nationals and Manny Machado for the Orioles in 2012.
It continues onward. Chourio, batting leadoff as he did on Opening Day against the Mets at Citi Field, recorded the Brewers’ first leadoff home run in the postseason since Corey Hart did so in Game 6 of the 2011 NLCS. This marked the first multihomer game in Brewers postseason history for Chourio.
However, the most significant historical fact for Chourio and the Brewers was this: Prior to Wednesday, the franchise held a record of 0-26 when entering the eighth inning while trailing in postseason games.
Now their record stands at 1-26, with another game scheduled for Thursday night.
“I believe I can still feel the adrenaline,” Chourio expressed through translator Daniel de Mondesert. “This was a truly special moment for me, one that I will cherish and remember for the rest of my life.”
There are 40,350 fans who can attest to that after an evening where the Brewers trailed from the middle of the second inning until the middle of the eighth. Starter Frankie Montas faced relentless hits in the initial two innings, allowing two unearned runs after fumbling a throw from first baseman Rhys Hoskins during the Mets’ go-ahead second — a repeat of a similar blunder that cost the Brewers dearly in Game 1 the night prior.
This time, the Brewers received outstanding relief pitching, reminiscent of their strong performances throughout the regular season. Trevor Megill (making his earliest appearance of the year), Joel Payamps (making his second appearance in as many nights), Jared Koenig, Joe Ross, and Williams collaborated to keep the Mets scoreless on just two hits over the final 5 1/3 innings. This effort enabled the Brewers to narrow the gap to 3-2 before Chourio stepped up to face Maton. The right-hander, a postseason veteran with a 0.83 ERA across 20 appearances for the Guardians and Astros, was making his fourth appearance in five days.
As Chourio struck a fastball that was high and slightly away, Maton lowered his head.
“Just a talented hitter,” he stated. “You have to tip your cap.”
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Jackson Chourio Shines Bright: Brewers Rookie Makes History in Wild Card Series Game
A Stellar Rookie Performance
Jackson Chourio, the dynamic rookie outfielder for the Milwaukee Brewers, has made headlines by delivering an unforgettable performance in the 2024 Wild Card Series. His contributions not only helped the Brewers secure a vital victory but also etched his name in the record books as one of the youngest players to shine in such a critical postseason game.
Record-Breaking Moments
During the Wild Card Series game, Jackson Chourio showcased his exceptional talent with a remarkable three-hit game, leading to his team’s success. Here are some of the standout moments from his performance:
- First Inning Home Run: Chourio opened the scoring with a powerful home run, marking his entrance onto the postseason stage with flair.
- Multi-Hit Performance: In addition to his home run, he recorded two singles, showcasing his ability to hit under pressure and contribute to the team’s offensive efforts.
- Defensive Highlights: His agility and sharp instincts in the outfield prevented several runs with spectacular catches, highlighting his all-around game.
The Significance of His Achievement
Chourio’s performance is particularly significant for a few reasons:
- Younger Generation Star: At just 20 years old, Chourio becomes one of the youngest players to achieve a multi-hit performance in a postseason game, signaling the arrival of a new star in Major League Baseball.
- Inspiration for Future Players: His success story serves as an inspiration for young athletes, demonstrating that with hard work and determination, dreams can become reality.
- Impact on Team Dynamics: Chourio’s energy and talent invigorate the Brewers’ roster, providing a much-needed boost in their playoff aspirations.
Game Stats: Jackson Chourio’s Wild Card Series Performance
| Statistical Category | Performance |
|---|---|
| At Bats | 4 |
| Hits | 3 |
| Home Runs | 1 |
| RBIs | 2 |
| Stolen Bases | 1 |
Chourio’s Journey to the Majors
Before reaching the majors, Jackson Chourio had an impressive minor league career, where he displayed his potential as a future star. His journey included:
- Early Beginnings: Born in Venezuela, Chourio was signed by the Brewers as an international free agent, showcasing his talent early on.
- Rising Through the Ranks: He made headlines in the minors, earning multiple All-Star selections and demonstrating consistent improvement at each level.
- Debut Season: Chourio’s rookie season in the MLB has been nothing short of extraordinary, with a batting average that has impressed fans and analysts alike.
Strategic Impact on the Brewers
Jackson Chourio’s emergence as a key player has strategic implications for the Milwaukee Brewers:
- Offensive Depth: His ability to hit for power and average adds depth to the Brewers’ batting lineup, making them a formidable opponent in the postseason.
- Youthful Energy: Chourio brings a youthful exuberance that can energize the team, fostering a positive atmosphere in high-pressure situations.
- Future Leadership: As he continues to develop, Chourio has the potential to become a leader in the clubhouse, guiding younger players and setting an example.
Fans and Community Reaction
The reaction from fans and the community following Chourio’s historic performance has been overwhelmingly positive:
- Fan Engagement: Social media platforms exploded with praise for Chourio, with hashtags trending in his honor.
- Local Support: The Milwaukee community has rallied around their rookie sensation, with local businesses celebrating his success.
- Merchandising Boom: Chourio’s jersey sales have skyrocketed, reflecting his growing popularity among fans.
What Lies Ahead for Jackson Chourio?
As the Brewers advance in the postseason, all eyes are on Jackson Chourio. Here are some expectations and what fans can look forward to:
- Continued Development: Chourio’s growth as a player is crucial; fans anticipate seeing him refine his skills and enhance his gameplay as he gains more experience.
- Playoff Performances: With the spotlight on him, further standout performances in the playoffs could solidify his status as a future star.
- Long-term Impact: Assuming he continues on this trajectory, Chourio could become a cornerstone of the Brewers for years to come.
Conclusion
Jackson Chourio’s remarkable performance in the Wild Card Series is not just a reflection of his talent but also of the bright future that lies ahead for both him and the Milwaukee Brewers. As the team navigates through the postseason, Chourio’s contributions will be pivotal in their quest for a championship.
