On a scorching day at PNC Park, the Milwaukee Brewers demonstrated their dominance in the NL Central with a 4-1 victory over the Pittsburgh Pirates. This victory solidified the Brewers’ stronghold at the top of the division, advancing their record to an impressive 87-55. Meanwhile, the Pirates’ struggle continued as they sank to a 64-78 record, holding the last place in the division.
Key Performances
The Brewers’ offense made efficient use of their hits, producing four runs off eight hits. Joey Bauers and Jackson Chourio powered the offense with their bats, each hitting a home run. Bauers brought in two runs with his blast, while Chourio added another two RBIs to his season tally.
Sal Frelick contributed with two hits in four at-bats, scoring one of the Brewers’ runs. The Brewers showed versatility at the plate, with doubles from Frelick and Andrew Vaughn adding to the scoring opportunities. On the other side, the Pirates managed just one run on five hits, with Bryan Reynolds providing a spark by scoring their lone run.
Pitching Prowess
Brandon Woodruff took the mound for the Brewers and delivered a masterful performance. Across six innings, he allowed only two hits and struck out eight batters without walking any. This stellar outing earned him his fifth win of the season, lowering his ERA to 3.69.
The Brewers’ bullpen, featuring appearances from Erick Fedde, Robert Zastryzny, and Aaron Ashby, maintained the pressure on the Pirates’ lineup. Though Ashby allowed one run, the relievers ensured the Pirates’ bats remained mostly silent.
For the Pirates, Mitch Keller started and fought through 6.33 innings, conceding five hits and two runs while striking out four. Despite his efforts, Keller was tagged with his 13th loss of the season, continuing a challenging campaign.
Game Flow and Conditions
The Brewers broke the initial deadlock in the fourth inning, putting two runs on the board. They extended their lead in the eighth inning with two more runs, firmly securing their advantage. The Pirates’ solitary run came in the ninth inning, a last-ditch effort that ultimately fell short.
With the wind blowing slightly out to right field at 5 mph, the weather conditions at PNC Park were challenging, with the temperature soaring to 100 degrees. Despite this, both teams displayed determination, but the Brewers’ execution proved superior.
Looking Ahead
The Brewers continue their road trip as they face the Pirates again on September 7, 2025, aiming to further extend their lead in the division. Following this series, they will head to Texas to face the Rangers, where they look to continue their winning momentum.
Meanwhile, the Pirates will look to bounce back against the Brewers before hitting the road for a series against the Baltimore Orioles. With their playoff hopes diminished, the Pirates aim to finish the season on a positive note by testing their younger talent against competitive opponents.
Overall, the game showcased the Brewers’ ability to capitalize on opportunities and reinforced their status as the team to beat in the NL Central. The Pirates, however, will need to regroup and strategize as they navigate through the final stretch of the season.
