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Jackson Chourio continued his standout season by delivering a crucial blow in Game 1 of the National League Division Series. The Milwaukee Brewers trailed the San Diego Padres 2-0 early, but Chourio's 420-foot two-run homer in the bottom of the third inning evened the score.
At just 22 years old, Chourio's home run was already his fifth in postseason play. The blast left his bat at 113.3 mph, marking the hardest-hit home run of his career.
In the bottom of the seventh, All-Star catcher William Contreras put Milwaukee ahead 3-2 with a solo home run that proved to be the game-winner. The Brewers now hold a 1-0 series advantage over San Diego.
With Milwaukee having reached the postseason every year since 2023, Chourio has accumulated significant playoff experience. His game-tying homer broke a franchise record, surpassing Orlando Arcia and Prince Fielder for the most postseason home runs in Brewers history. Chourio now stands alone as the team's all-time postseason home run leader.
Additionally, Chourio tied Kyle Schwarber and Juan Soto for the most postseason home runs by a player before turning 23, joining elite company.
The 22-year-old is enjoying the best season of his three-year career, posting a .291/.351/.487 slash line with 25 home runs and 75 RBI, all while setting career highs in hits, home runs, batting average, on-base percentage, and slugging percentage.
Despite scoring 832 runs this season, the second-most in the league, the Brewers hit the second-fewest home runs. Their lack of power was a concern entering the postseason, as the team relied on a small-ball approach all year. However, stringing together hits against top pitchers becomes harder in October, so power contributions from players like Chourio and Contreras are invaluable.
Chourio has been one of Milwaukee's top hitters all season, and the team will need him to maintain his high level of play if they hope to reach the World Series for the first time since 1982.