Covering the bases 8/19/2025: Cubs 4, Brewers 1 (Game 2)
Everything evens out during an MLB season. Sometimes you get the bounces, others you don't. The Milwaukee Brewers' magical fairy dust has worn out, which led to being swept in a doubleheader by the Chicago Cubs. The Cubs took the second game of Tuesday's twinbill 4-1 at Wrigley Field. It was the third loss in four games for the Brewers following a club-record 14-game winning streak. The Brewers (79-47), with MLB's best record, saw their lead over the second-place Cubs trimmed to seven games with two more games in this five-game series remaining.
FIRST BASE: On target
The biggest defensive play of the game came with one out in the top of the seventh inning. The Brewers had runners on first and third with one out when Sal Frelick hit a fly ball to right fielder Willi Castro, who came in to play defensively after the Cubs pinch-hit for rookie Owen Caissie. Castro, whose versatility was coveted at the trade deadline, unleashed an on-target throw to home that catcher Carson Kelly caught on the fly and was able to easily tag out Brice Turang as he tried to score.
SECOND BASE: Woodruff's struggles
Brandon Woodruff had his worst outing in eight starts this season. Even by his high standards, it wan't that bad. The Brewers' big right-hander allowed a season-high three runs in 4⅓ innings, matching his season worst for hits allowed with five, while walking three and striking out six. The three walks also tied his worst effort of the season. Woodruff threw a season-high 94 pitches, including 83 in the first four innings.
THIRD BASE: Ortiz injured
The Brewers' position-player group has remained fairly healthy this season, with the primary exception being outfielder Jackson Chourio's groin injury. Now, shortstop Joey Ortiz could miss time with an injury to his right leg. Ortiz was batting in the top of the seventh inning and came up lame as he approached first base after punching a single to right field. It was part of a seven-pitch at-bat that included a handful of foul balls on an 0-2 count. During the sequence, Ortiz fouled a ball off just below his right knee. Ortiz stayed in the game while the Brewers were batting, but then was replaced by Andruw Monasterio on defense in the bottom of the seventh. Monasterio or Turang could see action at short if Ortiz needs to go on the injured list. Manager Pat Murphy said Ortiz has a bone bruise and X-rays were negative.
HOME PLATE: Offense shut down
The Brewers' offense has been on fire for most all of August, which fueled the club-record 14-game winning streak. But the Brewers could only muster a first-inning run on Andrew Vaughn's RBI single and were shut out the rest of the way by the Cubs. Jameson Taillon allowed five hits and the one run over six innings, walking one and striking out four. Taylor Rogers, Ryan Braiser and Andrew Kittredge allowed two hits the rest of the way, with Kittredge picking up his second save of the season.
EXTRA BASES: It's Misiorowski Day
⚾ Right-hander Jacob Misiorowski (4-1, 3.89 ERA), who was conveniently missed by the Cubs due to the rainout in the May series at Wrigley Field, will make his debut at the venerable stadium when he faces former Brewers right-hander Colin Rea (9-5, 3.99 ERA). Misiorowski faced the Cincinnati Reds in his last start Friday, his first since coming off the 15-day injured list following a bruised shin. Misiorowski lasted just 1⅓ innings and allowing five runs, seemingly feeling uncomfortable on the Great American Ball Park mound. Rea has been good his last three starts, allowing two runs or less in each.
