MILWAUKEE — The Brewers underwent a whirlwind of changes in a short span of time. On Monday, the team seemed primed for a deep postseason run with a strong pitching staff. However, by Tuesday night, their pitching had faltered, and their season teetered on the edge of collapse.
In Game 1 of the National League Wild Card Series against the D-backs, Corbin Burnes blew an early three-run lead, leading to a disheartening 6-3 loss. This outcome shocked the sellout crowd of 40,892 at American Family Field, who had come to expect victory whenever Burnes took the mound. With the Brewers now facing the possibility of a first-round elimination for the fourth consecutive year, they must find a way to bounce back in the next two games of the series.
Manager Craig Counsell acknowledged the challenging situation, stating, “In a three-game series, losing Game 1 puts your back against the wall. We have faced adversity, and our response to it will determine our fate.”
Indeed, adversity looms large for the Brewers. Burnes is out for the series, and Brandon Woodruff’s shoulder injury has likely ended his postseason. Meanwhile, the D-backs have formidable pitchers Zac Gallen and Merrill Kelly ready to take the mound in Games 2 and 3.
Brewers third baseman Josh Donaldson summed up the team’s challenge, saying, “We know we have a tough road ahead of us.”
Although Gallen and Kelly have excelled this season, Burnes emphasized that performance in the past does not guarantee success in the present. He stated, “Regardless of their accomplishments, we still have to go out there, pitch, and get outs.”
While a Game 1 loss was always a possibility, credit must be given to the D-backs. Led by breakout star Corbin Carroll, they rallied from an early deficit with a series of well-timed home runs. Burnes analyzed each pitch and acknowledged that a few misplaced offerings led to the comeback.
Despite the challenges, the Brewers still had their opportunities. They had double-digit hits within the first five innings of the game. However, they struggled to convert those hits into runs, particularly in critical moments with runners in scoring position.
The Brewers now turn to Freddy Peralta and Wade Miley to keep their postseason hopes alive. Both the pitchers and position players acknowledge the need to step up their game for Game 2 and beyond.
With their backs against the wall, the Brewers must find a way to overcome the adversity they face and rally as a team. Their season hangs in the balance.
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