Covering the bases 9/27/2025: Reds 7, Brewers 4 (No. 1 seed clinched)
For the second time in franchise history, the Milwaukee Brewers have clinched the best record in MLB. Unfortunately, that distinction came in a loss. The Brewers lost 7-4 to the Cincinnati Reds on Saturday at American Family Field in the next-to-last game of the regular season. But thanks to a 5-0 loss by the NL East champion Philadelphia Phillies, the NL Central champion Brewers secured home-field advantage throughout the World Series. The Brewers are 96-65 and need one more win to set a franchise record for victories. The Reds remain tied for the third and final NL wild-card with the New York Mets, but Cincinnati holds the tiebreaker entering the final day of the season.
FIRST BASE: Chourio goes deep
Brewers right fielder Jackson Chourio hasn't been producing like he wants to. But if Saturday was a clue, Chourio could be getting right at the proper time. Chourio his a solo home run in the sixth inning, the 21st time he has gone deep this year, to pull the Crew within 7-3. It seemed to ignite the offense as the Brewers put together a rally, getting an RBI single by Jake Bauers and loading the bases before Joey Ortiz grounded out to end the inning.
SECOND BASE: Gasser not sharp
Brewers left-hander Robert Gasser didn't fare well in his second MLB start since returning from Tommy John surgery. While shortened up in Triple-A for a relief role near the end of the season, Gasser has started twice with the Brewers. Against the Reds, he lasted just 2⅔ innings, giving up four runs on four hits with two walks and three strikeouts. None of the runs were earned thanks to his own throwing error on Noelvi Marte's comebacker that started a six-run inning. If he does get a postseason roster spot, his role would be out of the bullpen.
THIRD BASE: Misiorowski struggles in relief
There are now serious questions as to whether flame-throwing rookie right-hander Jacob Misiorowski should be included on the Brewers' postseason roster. Fortunately, the Brewers will have all week to figure that out. After being taken out of the rotation following some erratic performances, Misiorowski made the first relief appearance of his 15-game MLB career. It didn't go well, although in fairness, Misiorowski was put in a difficult situation by manager Pat Murphy. Misiorowski reliever Gasser with two outs and the bases loaded in the top of the third inning and the Reds leading 1-0. Ke'Bryan Hayes had an infield single toward third base to make it 2-0, Matt McLain drew a walk to make it 3-0 and TJ Friedl singled to left and a throwing error by left fielder Isaac Collins cleared the bases, boosting the Reds' lead to 6-0. None of the hits were hard, but he did issue a walk. You just have to wonder about not only his confidence in a key playoff situation, but the team's confidence in putting Misiorowski in that scenario.
HOME PLATE: Home-field advantage
While it didn't happen in the fashion they would have liked, the Brewers can be secure in the knowledge that any series they play in that goes the distance in the postseason will be held at American Family Field. That is a something that has not been in the Brewers' favor in previous postseason trips.
EXTRA BASES: Peralta tune-up
⚾ With nothing else on the line, Brewers right-hander Freddy Peralta (17-6, 2.68) will make his a start that is nothing more than a warmup for Game 1 of the NL Division Series. The Reds, who are playing for a postseason spot, will counter with right-hander Brady Singer (14-11, 3.95 ERA). Peralta, who surpassed the 200-strikeout mark in his previous start and will finish with the NL lead in wins, will likely have an abbreviated outing. Singer, meanwhile, will have his team's postseason hopes riding on his right arm. In his last outing, Singer allowed four runs on four hits and no walks with three strikeouts in 5⅓ innings.
