The Milwaukee Brewers defeated the St. Louis Cardinals on Wednesday, 6-2, and a large reason for their success was the bat of Andrew Vaughn.

Vaughn, in his second game back from a month-plus long stint on the Injured List due to a fractured left hamate, had two-hits in four at-bats, one of which was a game-defining three-run home run in the top of the first inning to make it a 4-0 game after .

Afterward, manager Pat Murphy praised Vaughn for his performance.

"He's done those types of things for us in the past, and it's great to have him back in just his second game having that type of impact," Murphy said. "Yeah, he's a good at bat, he's a major- league experienced player. He's been through the ups and downs and yeah, he's a great fit for us. Great day today."

Vaughn came to the Brewers from the Chicago White Sox last season in a June 13 trade that saw right-hander Aaron Civale and cash go to Chicago. When the Brewers acquired Vaughn, he had been struggling tremendously at the plate; posting a slash line of .189/.218/.314 with a .531 OPS in 48 games before the trade.

However, after Vaughn was dealt to the Brewers, his bat came alive. In 64 games with Milwaukee during the remainder of the 2025 season, he slashed .308/.375/.493 with an .869 OPS. Vaughn also hit nine home runs and increased his RBI total from 19 with the White Sox to 46 with the Brewers.

When Vaughn suffered the fracture in his left hamate, which is a small, hook-shaped carpal bone on the pinky side of the wrist’s second row, on Opening Day, his offensive impact went with him. When he was nearing his return, the Brewers knew they would be receiving some much-needed help, and he did not disappoint.

Another player that missed significant time with a fractured left hand was Jackson Chourio, who made his season debut on Monday. In his debut, Chourio went 4-for-4 at the plate. On Wednesday, he added two more hits, including an RBI double in the ninth inning to give the Brewers extra insurance.

Beyond Vaughn, Murphy praised Chourio for his impact, as well as others on the roster.

"And what do you say about Chourio? Turang continues to have two or three good at-bats every day," Murphy said. "Sal Frelick; Sneaky had a couple good at-bats, and Bauers continues. Tyler Black fills in in left field. Contreras doesn't get any hits today, but he has to catch five different pitchers. And his hitting did not affect his defense."

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