When it comes to regular-season showdowns, this one is a heavyweight battle. The Milwaukee Brewers (86-63) are set to host the National League-leading Philadelphia Phillies (90-59) at American Family Field for a crucial three-game series starting Monday night. With the Central Division title hanging in the balance and the Brewers' magic number to clinch it down to just three, this series is loaded with stakes.
Here's the exciting part: Milwaukee’s right-hander Aaron Civale (6-8, 4.57) will be toeing the mound against Philadelphia’s ace left-hander Ranger Suárez (12-6, 3.05). These teams last squared off in early June, where the Phillies swept the Brewers in a three-game series at Citizens Bank Park. Since then, Philadelphia has surged past the Los Angeles Dodgers to claim the top spot in the NL, earning a bye into the division series. The Dodgers, now the second seed with an 88-61 record, will be watching closely.
Civale's Masterclass: Defense Steps Up
Aaron Civale came out firing on all cylinders, striking out six in the first three innings. His defense was rock-solid behind him, making some critical plays. The first highlight came from Sal Frelick in the third inning. Frelick unleashed a rocket from medium right field to cut down Cal Stevenson trying to advance from first to third on a single by Trea Turner.
Later, with Bryce Harper at the plate, Civale managed to catch Turner off base and throw him out at second, showcasing his ability to work with his defense seamlessly. A slick 5-4-3 double play erased a leadoff single by Harper in the fourth. It wasn’t until the fifth inning, when Brandon Marsh hit a solo homer, that Philadelphia managed to break through on the scoreboard.
Civale’s night ended after 90 pitches, with consecutive singles by Kyle Schwarber and Turner in the sixth inning. Hoby Milner stepped in and delivered a clutch performance, getting Harper to fly out, Castellanos to strike out, and Bohm to tap out. Milner’s impressive outing earned him a well-deserved ovation.
Brewers' Bats Come Alive
The Brewers' offense started to heat up in the third inning. Jackson Chourio led off with a walk, and Blake Perkins followed with a single against Suárez. William Contreras then stepped up and launched a rocket to left-center, registering a blistering 115.6 mph off the bat. The hit scored Chourio and Perkins, matching the Brewers' run total from their earlier series sweep at Citizens Bank Park with one swing.
In the fourth inning, Rhys Hoskins walked to start the inning, and Frelick smashed a double down the right-field line with a velocity of 106.6 mph. This set up runners in scoring position with one out. Joey Ortiz then delivered a sacrifice fly to right, bringing Hoskins home and extending Milwaukee's lead to 3-1.
Game Details: What to Know
Date & Time: The Brewers’ game kicks off at 6:40 p.m. Monday.
TV Broadcast: Bally Sports Wisconsin
Radio Broadcast: AM-620 and a state network
Brewers’ Lineup:
- Jackson Chourio (LF)
- Blake Perkins (CF)
- William Contreras (C)
- Willy Adames (SS)
- Gary Sánchez (DH)
- Rhys Hoskins (1B)
- Sal Frelick (RF)
- Joey Ortiz (3B)
- Brice Turang (2B)
Phillies’ Lineup:
- Kyle Schwarber (DH)
- Trea Turner (SS)
- Bryce Harper (1B)
- Nick Castellanos (RF)
- Alec Bohm (3B)
- Bryson Stott (2B)
- JT Realmuto (C)
- Brandon Marsh (LF)
- Cal Stevenson (CF)
Upcoming Schedule:
Tuesday, 6:40 p.m.: Brewers vs. Phillies
Matchup: Milwaukee RHP Frankie Montas (7-10, 4.49 ERA) vs. Philadelphia RHP Zack Wheeler (15-6, 2.60)
TV: Bally Sports Wisconsin/TBS
Radio: AM-620
Wednesday, 6:40 p.m.: Brewers vs. Phillies
Matchup: Milwaukee RHP Freddy Peralta (11-8, 3.75) vs. Philadelphia RHP Aaron Nola (12-8, 3.62)
TV: Bally Sports Wisconsin/MLB Network
Radio: AM-620
Extra News:
Don’t miss out on the chance to get postseason tickets! The Brewers will start selling them on Friday, with an opportunity to snag yours early at a drive-through pep rally.
Get ready for a thrilling series filled with high stakes and electrifying moments!
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