Brewers secure a 7-game winning streak after Bauers delivers a crucial 2-run double, clinching a sweep against the Phillies.
Phillies Swept by Brewers, Thanks to Jake Bauers' Clutch Double
Philadelphia – It was a rough outing for the Phils, saddled with a 5-2 loss to the Milwaukee Brewers this Sunday. The gut-wrenching defeat marked the team's fourth consecutive loss and the Brewers' stunning seven-game winning streak. His name? Jake Bauers.
The pinch-hitter outfielder - a familiar face to Brewers fans - stepped up to the plate in Christian Yelich's spot, batting for Eric Haase. Yelich was ousted in the first inning after being hit by a pitch, sporting a sore right hand.
When the game was knotted at 2-all in the 7th, Bauers lit up the scoreboard, lashing a double down the left-field line off Orion Kerkering (4-2). This defining moment catapulted the Brewers into a 4-2 lead, setting the stage for a sweet, three-game sweep.
You might wonder, is this the Brewers' first series sweep in the City of Brotherly Love since 2015? The answer is yes, indeed. In fact, it's quite the achievement, considering their struggles to excel in series sweeps throughout the season.
Jackson Chourio, another key member of the Brewers, contributed to the win with two hits and an RBI, extending his impressive streak against the Phillies.
Speaking of dominant outings, Jose Quintana made his return from the injured list, buoyed by a left shoulder impingement. The seasoned pitcher managed to keep the Phillies at bay, albeit with a couple of runs and four hits. He struck out three and walked four, providing a solid foundation for the Brewers' victory.
As for the Phillies, they struggled to keep the Brewers in check. Starter Ranger Suarez bowed out after allowing Caleb Durbin's double to start the 7th inning. The usually reliable Suarez tied the game at 2 before exiting after six innings.
Alas, the Phillies couldn't keep up with the Brewers' momentum. J.T. Realmuto and Kyle Schwarber mustered RBI singles in the first two innings, but the efforts weren't enough to keep pace with a determined Brewers lineup.
Crucial Moment:It wasn't just Bauers' double that proved pivotal; the entire third inning was a tense back-and-forth. Weston Wilson misplayed Durbin's liner to left field, transforming the ball into a double. With two outs and runners on, the pantomime of a rally emerged. Kerkering gingerly induced a seemingly ordinary ground ball to shortstop Trea Turner.
But, lamentably for the Phils, Turner couldn't hold onto the ball, allowing Durbin to score, tying the game at 2, and extending the inning for Bauers.
Key Stat:The Brewers' consecutive success isn't just a flash in the pan; they've now swept two straight series. The first one was against the Boston Red Sox, followed by this impressive performance against the Phillies. In the 2025 season, the Brewers haven't been this ruthlessly efficient in series sweeps – a testament to their recent improvement.
Up Next:With the series in the rearview mirror, the Brewers have their eyes set on the horizon. The promising Aaron Civale takes the mound on Monday night as the team embarks on a three-game series in Cincinnati.
As for the Phils, they'll dust themselves off on Monday before setting off for Toronto. Zack Wheeler will be the man on the mound for the opening game of their three-game series against the Blue Jays. The road to recovery begins here.
Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.
Note:Jake Bauers is a rising star within the Milwaukee Brewers, providing a valuable contribution to the team despite a rough stint in his big league career. His OPS+ has surged to 145 in early 2025, signaling a notable improvement in his performance.
In the intense game between the Philadelphia Phillies and the Milwaukee Brewers, Jake Bauers, a pivotal member of the Brewers, delivered a clutch double off Orion Kerkering in the 7th inning, which propelled the Brewers to a 4-2 lead and played a significant role in securing a three-game sweep for the Brewers in MLB. Additionally, Jake Bauers has shown significant improvement in his performance this season, with an OPS+ of 145 in early 2025.
