Chourio returns from rare off-day, promptly puts up 2-HR, 4-RBI night

NEW YORK -- Whatever Jackson Chourio did to relax on a rare off-day Wednesday, he should do it more often.

The 22-year-old Brewers star returned from his first rest day since the All-Star break with one of the best games of his career, hitting a pair of home runs in a four-hit, four-run, four-RBI performance in Milwaukee’s 8-2 win over the Mets at Citi Field. ​

“He needed that day off,” Brewers manager Pat Murphy said with a smile.

Chourio hadn’t had a day off since May 31, but he got one Wednesday after going 0-for-5 with a pair of strikeouts in a lackluster showing in Tuesday's series opener. Chourio referred to his recent performances as “heavy,” and he said the off-day was a good chance to reset.

So he returned to action on Thursday looking to swing, and delivered a first-pitch single to spark a two-run top of the first inning before hitting a first-pitch two-run homer in the second. Then he singled, stole second base and scored again in the fifth, before he capped his day with another two-run homer in the eighth for his fifth career multihomer game.

"Just, damage,” said Mets starter Sean Manaea. “He's a very talented player. He's fast, can put the ball in play. Just overall a really good hitter."

Especially when he’s well-rested.

“I think it helps,” Murphy said. “He's just a good hitter, man. He's ready to hit every pitch. That's what we like about him. He also understands when, 'I'm overamped, and maybe that's when I overdo it and not get the pitch I want.' He was great tonight. He controlled the game.”

And Chourio was thinking “swing” well before he stepped into the batter’s box for the first time.

“Honestly, even from the dugout, I’m thinking about going up and swinging at the first pitch,” Chourio said. “I like leading off, because I know I have a chance to hit the first pitch.”