In a game where the Milwaukee Brewers demonstrated their relentless hustle and sharp gameplay, Jake Bauers took center stage, launching a home run and crossing the plate three times to help his team secure a 9-5 victory over the Oakland Athletics on Saturday. This win marked the Brewers' second consecutive triumph in what will be their last visit to the historic Coliseum, as the A’s plan to move to Sacramento for the next three seasons before settling in Las Vegas in 2028.
Brewers' Manager Pat Murphy Reflects on the Win
Reflecting on the game, Brewers' manager Pat Murphy couldn’t hide his satisfaction. "I like what we did today," Murphy remarked, acknowledging the good fortune that seemed to favor his team. "Most of the breaks went our way today. Every close play went in our favor and we had a lot of soft hits." Indeed, seven of Milwaukee's 10 hits were singles, but the Brewers capitalized on every opportunity, demonstrating aggressive base running and sharp situational awareness.
Bauers’ Stellar Performance
Jake Bauers was the epitome of this aggressive mentality. In the eighth inning, after drawing a one-out walk, Bauers showcased his speed and instincts, scoring all the way from first base on Garrett Mitchell’s bloop hit to short left field. Earlier in the game, Bauers had already made his presence felt with a two-run homer in the fifth inning, one of the many clutch moments that kept the Brewers in control. "We have a lot of guys in here who are committed to playing the right way," Bauers said post-game. "When you do that, you put yourself in situations to score extra runs, to get insurance runs when you need them. That’s been the mindset all year and it’s probably going to continue to be the mindset."
Pitching and Offensive Contributions
On the mound, Colin Rea (12-4) continued his impressive season, picking up his team-leading 12th win. Facing the Athletics for the first time in his career, Rea retired 12 of the first 14 hitters he faced and recorded five strikeouts, though he did allow a pair of home runs and four runs over 6 2/3 innings. Rea’s performance was emblematic of his season—solid, dependable, and resilient. His 12 wins this year are double his total from last season, a remarkable feat for the 34-year-old who has battled back from Tommy John surgery in 2016. "I felt really good today," Rea shared after the game. "It doesn’t matter where we’re at or who we’re playing, we’re coming in with the same mentality: be aggressive, play our game, and not try to do too much."
The A’s Struggles and Rooker’s Milestone
Despite the Brewers' dominance, Oakland had its moments, primarily through Brent Rooker, who hit his 30th home run of the season and drove in three runs. JJ Bleday also contributed with a solo shot, but it wasn’t enough to overcome the Brewers’ relentless offense. A’s manager Mark Kotsay acknowledged the difficulty of keeping up with Milwaukee, stating, "We’ve been in both games, but they’ve added on to leads, which is what good teams do. We gave away seven free bases in walks alone. Defensively we weren’t able to make plays today."
A Tough Outing for Joe Boyle
A's starter Joe Boyle (3-6) had a challenging outing. He was hit near his hip by a 95 mph line drive from Rhys Hoskins in the second inning but stayed in the game after being checked by the trainer. Boyle, who has been on the injured list earlier this season due to a lower back strain, showed grit by striking out a career-high eight batters over five innings. However, he also walked four, allowed five hits, and gave up five runs, making it a tough day on the mound despite his efforts.
Brewers Capitalize Late
The Brewers did most of their damage in the second inning, but they didn't let up as the game progressed. After Brent Rooker cut Milwaukee's four-run lead in half with a two-run homer in the sixth, the Brewers responded with a run in the eighth and three more in the ninth, effectively sealing the game. Bauers was once again in the thick of the action, walking and scoring when Garrett Mitchell’s popup fell in for a double in the eighth.
The Ninth Inning: A’s Attempt a Comeback
In the ninth inning, the A’s made a final push, scoring once and putting runners on the corners. However, with the game on the line, JJ Bleday grounded out, ending Oakland’s hopes of a comeback. The Brewers’ ability to add on to their lead in the late innings, combined with solid pitching, was crucial in securing the victory.
Roster Moves and Upcoming Matchups
As the series winds down, both teams are preparing for the final showdown. The Athletics have made some roster adjustments, recalling left-handed pitcher Hogan Harris from Triple-A Las Vegas and optioning right-hander Dany Jiménez back to Las Vegas. For the Brewers, right-hander Frankie Montas (6-8, 4.57 ERA), who pitched for Oakland from 2017 to 2022, will take the mound against his former team in the series finale on Sunday. The A’s will counter with right-hander Joey Estes (5-6, 4.44 ERA), setting up what promises to be an exciting conclusion to the series.
The Brewers’ Road Ahead
With the season winding down, the Brewers are making their final push toward the playoffs. Their performance in this series has shown that they are not just relying on talent but also on a relentless work ethic and a commitment to doing the little things right. Whether it's Bauers' aggressive baserunning, Rea’s steady pitching, or the team’s ability to capitalize on every opportunity, the Brewers are proving they have what it takes to go deep into October. As they prepare for the series finale and beyond, the team’s focus remains clear: keep playing the right way, and the results will follow.
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