Full Breakdown
Brewers Face Cardinals in Crucial Series Amid Playoff Push
9/20/2025, 1:05:17 PM
Series Overview and Context
The Milwaukee Brewers are in a pivotal series against the St. Louis Cardinals from September 19 to 21, 2025, at Busch Stadium. With a current record of 94-59, the Brewers are on the verge of clinching the National League Central Division, needing just four more wins or a combination of wins and losses from the Chicago Cubs. The Cardinals, on the other hand, are struggling with a 74-79 record and have recently lost key player Willson Contreras for the season due to a bicep strain.
Game Highlights and Performance
In the opening game on September 19, the Brewers faced a setback, losing 7-1 to the Cardinals. Rookie pitcher Jacob Misiorowski struggled, allowing two runs before being replaced after just 3.2 innings. The Cardinals capitalized on the Brewers' pitching woes, with Nolan Arenado hitting a bases-clearing double in the fifth inning, contributing significantly to the Cardinals' scoring. Despite a solo home run from Brewers outfielder Sal Frelick, the team could not recover from the early deficit.
Key Players and Matchups
For the Cardinals, right-hander Sonny Gray delivered a strong performance, allowing only one run on nine hits over six innings, striking out seven batters. This marked Gray's first quality start in September, improving his season record to 14-8 with a 4.33 ERA. Conversely, Misiorowski's recent form has raised concerns, as he has struggled since returning from the injured list, posting a 6.23 ERA in his last outings.
Official Statements & Responses
Following the loss, Brewers manager Craig Counsell emphasized the need for better execution from the pitching staff, particularly in high-pressure situations. Meanwhile, Cardinals manager Oliver Marmol praised his team's resilience and ability to capitalize on scoring opportunities, noting the importance of the win in their efforts to play spoiler against a playoff-bound team.
Criticism & Opposition
Critics of Misiorowski's performance have pointed to his inability to manage traffic on the bases, as he walked multiple batters and failed to complete four innings. This has raised questions about his readiness for a potential postseason role, with some analysts suggesting that the Brewers may need to reassess their pitching strategy moving forward.
What's Next
The series continues with games scheduled for September 20 and 21, featuring matchups between Brewers pitcher Chad Patrick and Cardinals pitcher Miles Mikolas, followed by an undecided Brewers starter against Matthew Liberatore. The Brewers aim to bounce back and secure their playoff position, while the Cardinals look to build momentum and finish the season strong.
