The Chicago Cubs’ run in first place, dating to April 4, was dethroned during a sizzling stretch by the Brewers to set up a huge series next week in Milwaukee.

Cubs right-hander Ben Brown had been happy with his changeup all game, but as the fifth inning continued to spin out of his control against the Royals, and with speedy Bobby Witt

Perez continued his remarkable resurgence by clubbing a pair of home runs Monday night as the Royals crushed the Cubs 12-4 at Wrigley Field. Perez had four RBIs. That continued his sensational run of play since the start of June.

The Kansas City Royals will almost certainly trade their ace, but which teams around the league could be the best fits for the star?

Only the Pirates had hit fewer, 66. This was just their second game with four. They hit more in only one game, seven. For comparison, the Cubs have hit at least four homers in 13 games: eight with four,

The Cubs player needed to collect himself but neglected to call timeout and was a strikeout victim against the Royals.

Salvador Perez homered twice and drove in four runs, Jac Caglianone and John Rave added solo shots and the Kansas City Royals beat the Chicago Cubs 12-4.

Chicago Cubs’ Pete Crow-Armstrong, right, is consoled by manger Craig Counsell, left, after being caught while trying to steal third base during the second inning of a baseball game against the Boston Red Sox, Sunday, July 20, 2025, in Chicago.