Jake Bauers hit a crucial RBI single in the ninth inning, helping the Milwaukee Brewers defeat the Philadelphia Phillies 2-1 on Wednesday night. This victory came after the Brewers had already secured the NL Central title when the Cubs lost.
Bauers’ hit off Phillies closer Carlos Estévez (4-5) brought in Jackson Chourio, who had tripled.
“I think the vibe in the clubhouse all day was great. We (clinched), but we need to win this game,” Bauers said. “It was intense, man, it was intense. You could feel the pressure.”
Milwaukee closer Devin Williams (1-0) struck out Alec Bohm, Bryson Stott, and Brandon Marsh in order during the ninth inning.
This win marked Milwaukee’s second straight division title and their sixth playoff appearance in the last seven seasons, thanks to the Chicago Cubs’ 5-3 loss to the Oakland Athletics on Wednesday. Chicago is still in the running for a wild card.
Freddy Peralta, making his career-high 31st start of the season for Milwaukee, allowed one run on two hits over five innings, striking out nine and walking two.
Philadelphia starter Aaron Nola, who is second in the NL for innings pitched, went seven innings, giving up one run on three hits while striking out nine and walking one. He had previously allowed 10 earned runs in nine innings across his last two starts.
“My command was pretty good, I was getting early outs,” Nola said.
“They’re definitely a grinding team. Just trying to execute my pitches and get first-pitch strikes and get the leadoff guy out.”
The two teams combined for 28 strikeouts during the game.
Phillies batters struck out 16 times on Tuesday and 16 times again on Wednesday.
“Two really good teams, low scoring, tight games,” Philadelphia manager Rob Thomson said. “Those are the games you certainly like to win and hate to lose.”
