Covering the bases 9/14/2025: Cardinals 3, Brewers 2
A day after a muted yet reflective playoff-clinching celebration, the Milwaukee Brewers dropped a 3-2 decision to the St. Louis Cardinals on Sunday at American Family Field. The Brewers, who won two of the three games in the series, saw their MLB-best record drop to 91-59. Their lead in the NL Central dropped to 5½ after the second-place Chicago Cubs beat the Tampa Bay Rays 4-3. The Brewers' magic number for clinching the division remained at eight. The Crew also stayed two games ahead of the Philadelphia Phillies in the race for the best record in the NL after the Phillies lost to the Kansas City Royals 10-3.
FIRST BASE: Jansen joins in
Danny Jansen was acquired at the trade deadline for two reasons: To provide a stronger defensive backup catcher and to provide that occasional offense. While his defense has been on display when spelling William Contreras, he has come through with a few big hits. But the Wisconsin native finally hit his first homer with the Brewers, driving a solo shot into the Brewers' bullpen in left-center. It was his 12 homer of the season.
SECOND BASE: Durbin does it
Caleb Durbin continues his strong finish to his rookie season. A day after a game-tying double in the 10th inning and scoring the winning run, Durbin smashed his 11th homer, a solo shot that just stayed fair down the left-field line in the fourth inning to pull the Brewers within 3-1. Durbin has been one of the more unlikely standouts for the Brewers in a season filled with unlikely standouts.
THIRD BASE: Bullpen carries the weight
With a short start (see below), that meant the bullpen had to shoulder the load Sunday. Five relievers turned in a really good performance, allowing just two hits, with four recording at least two strikeouts. In order, that would be Aaron Ashby, Grant Anderson, Chad Patrick, Jared Koenig and Joel Payamps. Only Ashby went more than one inning, having to navigate an extra out.
HOME PLATE: Quintana injured
Following two outings where it seemed like the Brewers stretched Jose Quintana a little further than he should have been, the left-hander turned in a short start – but it wasn't planned. Quintana left with a calf injury after just four innings, allowing three runs on four hits and two walks with two strikeouts. It was the second-shortest start this season for Quintana, who went 3⅔ innings three starts ago. He followed up both of those by going more 6⅓ and 6⅔ innings, but faltering at the end of both of those. He will be evaluated further and left the clubhouse in a boot.
EXTRA BASES: Another day off
⚾ The Brewers will enjoy their third day off in 14 days Monday before opening a three-game series against the Los Angeles Angels to wrap up their next-to-last homestand. The Crew then hit the road for six games, taking on the Cardinals, then the San Diego Padres to finish the road schedule. The Reds visit American Family Field to complete the regular season. Freddy Peralta, Brandon Woodruff and Quinn Priester are the scheduled starter for the Brewers for the Angels series. That would also be the expected starters for the first three playoff games.
