Crew Squeezes Past Mets, 2-1

Saturday’s win over the Mets was punctuated by quips, roasts, and Hall of Famer appearances, all in honor of Bob Uecker Day, which celebrated the legendary broadcaster’s fifty (plus one) years in the booth.

The Brewers delivered a win for the occasion, bringing the Crew within one win of a National League Central division. The Brewers can clinch tomorrow regardless of whether or not the red-hot Cardinals continue their winning streak.

The Brewers relied heavily on run prevention and the strength of Corbin Burnes’ performance. He offered seven magnificent innings, bringing him to a total of 165 on the season to bolster his Cy Young bid. He allowed only five hits, one earned run, and one walk while striking out nine on 104 pitches.

Meanwhile, though, the offense continued to stall. The Brewers had plenty of chances and several free passes from Rich Hill, who walked four batters. Their biggest missed opportunity came in the second inning when the Brewers loaded the bases with no outs. The inning began with a leadoff single from Christian Yelich, a hit batter (Escobar), and a walk (Urías). It ended, two strikeouts and flyout later with Yelich, Escobar, and Urías still stranded.

Eduardo Escobar provided the only productive hit for the Crew in the third. He knocked in Willy Adames and Avisaíl García who reached on back-to-back walks from Hill. The scant offensive production was just enough to secure the win since the Brewers’ defense did plenty to back up Burnes.

Kolton Wong retired Jonathan Villar on an impressive jump throw in the second. Eduardo Escobar dug a low hopping throw from Willy Adames to end the third inning. If Manny Piña and Adames hadn’t caught Brandon Nimmo stealing in the fourth before the double, walk, and run-scoring single that followed, we would likely be talking about a different game outcome. Christian Yelich made a fantastic sliding catch to rob Pete Alonso of extra bases in the sixth. In the ninth, Willy Adames fielded a tricky grounder to help Josh Hader preserve the save.

The Brewer’s bullpen provided two innings of solid support, too. With Devin Williams still unavailable for the eighth, Brad Boxberger took the inning and looked more like himself, allowing only a single while framing a zero. Josh Hader came on in the ninth to hold on to the narrow lead and earn the save, with fielding support from Willy Adames.

The Brewers look to sweep the Mets and lock in the division win tomorrow, 1:10 pm at American Family Field.