MILWAUKEE -- American Family Field was rocking in the fifth inning on Tuesday, when the Brewers quashed a Cubs threat to end the top of the frame before young star Jackson Chourio led off the bottom half with a triple. But the mood was about to sour.
Chourio, the 21-year-old budding star, slowed considerably before cruising into third base in apparent pain. He stretched his right hamstring for a few moments, then left the game with what the Brewers termed a spasm.
“Let’s wait and see. Let’s not speculate now,” manager Pat Murphy said after the Brewers’ 9-3 win.
The Brewers turned Chourio’s spark into a three-run rally while he was down below in the clubhouse getting treatment following an abrupt end to what was shaping into a big game. A day removed from the end of a 20-game hitting streak, Chourio already had two hits and had scored a run as the Brewers sought to secure a series victory against the rival Cubs.
After the game, Chourio described his right leg as “a touch tight,” but downplayed the severity of the injury.
“When I saw the ball hit off the wall there, I think it happened when I accelerated a touch there to get the extra base,” Chourio said. “It was more like a little tickle at first, but the more I kept going, it kept on going. Then I was just hoping to get to third base. Once I got there, it just felt more like a cramp.”
Asked whether he was worried about missing time, Chourio said: “No, no. Obviously we hope it’s nothing more serious than it is and I’ll be with the team as soon as I can.”
The Brewers hope he’s right. Chourio is among the National League leaders in doubles (first, 29), hits (third, 123), total bases (seventh, 211) and runs scored (ninth, 71).