That start is what an ace does. Come right back from a game that should have been won, shut down the opposing team, go deep, and win. As bad as the pitching injuries have been for the 2026 Chicago Cubs, Ben Brown’s emergence as a starting pitcher has been a fantastic development for the team, one that will pay off in a big way this season and beyond.
Brown pitched seven innings in the Cubs’ 6-1 win over the St. Louis Cardinals on Saturday night. The right-hander gave up one run on three hits, striking out six, and walking one. He was once again efficient, only needing 82 pitches to get through seven innings of work, lowering his season ERA to 1.92 in 51.2 innings.
He set the tone early, retiring the side in order for a perfect three innings to begin the game. A leadoff single in the fourth, followed by a groundout and a single, resulted in the lone blemish in Brown’s fifth start of the year.
The Cubs tied the game in the next inning and took a 3-1 lead in the sixth. Brown shut down the Cardinals, getting some help from a double play started by Alex Bregman, and then a quick, seven-pitch seventh inning that was capped off by Brown’s sixth strikeout.
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It truly has been an incredible turnaround for Brown, who was booted from the starting rotation nearly a year ago after his worst start of the season. That happened to be against the Cardinals as well. It was the lowest point for Brown, who gave up eight runs on four two-run home runs. He was then demoted to Triple-A for a month.
Now, Ben Brown is the best starting pitcher in the rotation.
There were still many fans doubting Brown as he was given another shot at being a starter, despite his newfound success after an important offseason. Brown began the year with a 2.10 ERA in 25.2 innings.
Now, through six starts, Brown is proving that he can succeed in the rotation.
After giving up 18 home runs in 106.1 innings in 2025, Brown has only surrendered one home run this season. That came against the very first batter he faced on Opening Day.
Crazy to think after 2025, but imagine the Cubs without Ben Brown so far this season? He hasn’t just stepped up, he’s becoming a real difference-maker.
