The National League Central Division-leading Milwaukee Brewers remain undaunted heading into the second half of the season. “Undaunted” is officially defined as not intimidated or discouraged by difficulty, danger, or disappointment. It’s a fitting adjective to describe the team’s current self-proclaimed mantra and day-by-day approach to the game.
The Brewers remain on a mission heading into the second half. They are in sole possession of first place in the division standings with a 55-42 overall record (.567 winning percentage), 13 games above .500, and 4 1/2 in front of the surging second-place St. Louis Cardinals.
Brewers Remain Undaunted Heading Into Second Half
Despite losing seven of the last 10 games heading into the All-Star Break, the team continues to maintain the same patient, positive mindset it has proudly displayed since the start of spring training in February.
Brewers players had t-shirts waiting at their lockers today: “Undaunted.” Ahead of an afternoon team meeting, they were a gift from skipper Pat Murphy, who opened a dictionary app on his phone to help explain. pic.twitter.com/jM6DhTSDf1
— Adam McCalvy (@AdamMcCalvy) July 10, 2024
“I think we’re in a stage where guys (no matter how much we talk about it) were looking ahead to the break and to be honest might have become a little disconnected,” said Brewers first-year manager Pat Murphy, in a post-game interview with Adam McCalvy of MLB.com. “There have been some guys returning from injury, some new guys playing and it seems like a few things might have gone against us. This is the lull in the action that happens in any season, and you can’t flinch.”
Brewers have 55 wins and 4.5 game NL Central lead at the All-Star break.
Pat Murphy: “They bounce back. They respond.” pic.twitter.com/9bI2p9Hsb1— Sophia Minnaert (@SophiaMinnaert) July 14, 2024
Brewers On Mission To Build Off Strong Start
Ranking ahead of the Craig Counsell-led 2023 NL Central Division champion team in nearly every statistical category, this year’s Brewers’ squad has the potential to maintain that pace with a strong, confident start following the All-Star Break.
The Brewers have advanced to the postseason five times in the last six seasons, including three division championships.
Milwaukee’s revitalized hitting attack, led by All-Star starters Christian Yelich (.326) and William Contreras (.286), and emerging star second baseman Brice Turang (.277) will be vital during the second half. Offensively, the team is tied for 10th in the NL in hitting with a .255 batting average including 466 runs, 153 doubles, 99 home runs, 443 RBI, and 133 stolen bases.
Although the bullpen has performed surprisingly well, the starting rotation remains a lingering issue. The pitching staff ranks fifth in the NL with a combined 3.81 ERA in 858 1/3 innings. The anticipated return of several players from the injured list (highlighted by All-Star closer Devin Williams, reliever Jared Koenig, and starters DL Hall and Joe Ross), will provide much-needed depth in the coming weeks. The Brewers hope to build on the contributions of starters Freddy Peralta (6-5), Colin Rea (9-3), and Tobias Myers (6-3). The efforts of relievers Bryan Hudson and Trevor Megill will also be critical as the season progresses.
It remains a question mark as to whether or not the Brewers will make more moves for starting pitching before the looming trade deadline (July 30).
#Brewers general manager Matt Arnold: “I’m really proud of the group and excited to see what we can do in the second half.” #ThisIsMyCrew pic.twitter.com/SsXmzG4VLo
— Bally Sports Wisconsin (@BallySportWI) July 14, 2024
The young, hungry Brewers have remained undaunted through the ups and downs of the first half of the season. With the biggest, pressure-packed games still to come, it will be interesting to see if they will thrive on the lessons learned during the final months.
Photo Credit: © Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
