MILWAUKEE – The Milwaukee Brewers made it to the postseason largely because of two factors: rock-solid defense and a lockdown bullpen. Those are also the same factors now have them facing a premature end to their postseason run. A misplayed ball by left-fielder Jackson Chourio led to a five-run fifth inning against three of Milwaukee’s most reliable relievers as the Brewers suffered an 8-4 loss in the Game 1 of their NL Wild Card Series against the New York Mets Tuesday afternoon at American Family Field.
“I think it’s just a little uncharacteristic of us, not making plays that we’d normally make,” Brewers first baseman Rhys Hoskins said. “Obviously it’s unfortunate that it led to five runs there. Those are just the types of things that can’t happen in playoff games – any games, really, but definitely in playoff games – and they took advantage of it.”
And now Jackson Chourio misplays a ball pic.twitter.com/RObobsHn34
— Talkin’ Baseball (@TalkinBaseball_) October 1, 2024
Brewers’ Key Strengths Absent in Game 1 Loss to Mets
Hoping to take advantage of a Mets team that was jet-lagged after flying from Milwaukee to Atlanta Sunday night, playing a doubleheader Monday against the Braves, and then returning to Milwaukee for the playoff opener, the Brewers jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the first inning.
New York moved in front with a three-run third only for Milwaukee to regain the lead with two in the fourth.
Bullpen and Lineup Falter Late
With the lead in hand, manager Pat Murphy opted to turn to his fully rested bullpen after four solid innings from Freddy Peralta. The gambit might have paid off had Chourio, who robbed leadoff batter Starling Marte of extra bases with a marvelous play to open the inning, not misplayed a ball to left by Tyrone Taylor.
Another flyout to left field left Joel Payamps an out away from getting out of the inning unscathed, but Francisco Lindor walked and Jose Iglesias reached on an RBI single when Payamps wasn’t able to step on the bag for the out at first.
Lefty Aaron Ashby came on in relief of Payamps and failed to retire any of his five batters as the Mets turned a nailbiter into a comfortable cushion.
“We’ve been good all year in the bullpen,” Murphy said. “We had a lead in the game and four of our best relievers eligible so we felt pretty good about it.”
The Mets’ outburst provided some breathing room for Luis Severino, who retired his last eight batters while New York’s bullpen didn’t allow a baserunner over the final three innings. In all, the Brewers’ last 17 batters went down in order.
“The big inning really takes the wind out of your sails,” Murphy said. “They’re disappointed in how this game went. It’s a big blow.”
Montas To Start Game 2
The Brewers will look to even the series – and keep their season alive – Wednesday night.
“This team has responded all year long,” Murphy said. The Dodgers beat the daylights out of us twice and we responded, the Yankees beat the daylights out of us twice and we responded. I think we’ll respond.”
Frankie Montas will get the start for Milwaukee. In 11 starts since joining the Brewers from the Cincinnati Reds at the trade deadline, the veteran right-hander has gone 3-3 with a 4.55 ERA. He held the Mets to two runs while striking out six over four innings in his final regular-season start on Sept. 27.
Frelick Fine
Sal Frelick’s hip didn’t seem to be much of an issue in Game 1.
A somewhat surprising addition to the Brewers’ Wild Card roster after suffering a bruised hip when he crashed into a wall last Friday, Frelick was not only in the starting lineup but flashed his speed both in right field and on the base paths, legging out a leadoff double and scoring in the fourth inning.
Chourio Makes History
His defensive miscue aside, rookie Jackson Chourio made history in Game 1 by becoming the youngest player to collect multiple hits in his first postseason appearance.
The 20-year-old singled and scored in the first then added an RBI single in the fourth in a 2-for-4 debut.
“Jackson was fantastic,” Murphy said. “He’s a special player.”
Notable
- With another Game 1 loss, the Brewers have now lost six consecutive postseason games. Milwaukee’s last postseason victory came on Oct. 10, 2021, when they beat the Braves in Game 1 of the NL Division Series.
- 2B Brice Turang went 3-for-4 and became the fourth player in franchise history to hit two doubles in a postseason game.
- RHP Aaron Civale made the first relief appearance of his professional career, working three scoreless innings while allowing just one walk with a pair of strikeouts.
Series Schedule & Results
Game 1: Mets 8, Brewers 4
Game 2: Wednesday, 6:38 p.m. (ESPN)
Game 3: Thursday, 7:08 p.m. (ESPN2)*
*-if necessary
Photo Credit: © Mark Hoffman/Milwaukee Journal Sentinel / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
