Milwaukee Brewers outfielder Jackson Chourio (11) made history on Saturday, August 31, 2024, with a smile on his face as he rounded the bases after hitting a game-winning homer in the 9th inning against the Cincinnati Reds at the Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati. The Brewers emerged victorious with a score of 5-4, showcasing their ability to come through with late-inning heroics once again.
The Brewers are on a mission to secure the top record in the major leagues, thanks in large part to their knack for delivering clutch hits when it matters most. Chourio’s tiebreaking home run in the ninth inning was just the latest example of this trend, highlighting the team’s resilience and determination to succeed in crucial moments.
As Milwaukee sets its sights on a four-game sweep of the Reds, they are inching closer to clinching the National League Central title with a magic number of 16. The Brewers have been dominant throughout the season, notching their eighth series sweep after Chourio’s heroics in the ninth inning secured the win against Cincinnati.
Reflecting on his game-winning homer, Chourio expressed his focus on helping the team succeed in pivotal situations. “All I really had in my mind in that moment was finding a way to get on base, finding a way to help the team,” Chourio said through a translator. “I like being in those situations, where you can help the team win.”
The Brewers have been firing on all cylinders, with Chourio’s late heroics complementing a strong performance by Willy Adames, who hit a three-run homer and scored on a groundout earlier in the game. Adames’ contributions, along with Chourio’s clutch hit, have propelled Milwaukee to seven wins when tied after eight innings and 16 wins in their last at-bat.
Manager Pat Murphy commended his team’s collective effort, emphasizing their ability to find ways to win with different players stepping up each night. “We’re not saying we’re more talented than other teams, we’re just finding a way with somebody different every night,” Murphy said. “We’re confident in everybody.”
The Brewers’ recent success extends beyond individual performances, with the team boasting a 19-9 record in their past 28 games and a 15-6 record in their last 21 road games. Additionally, Milwaukee has dominated their matchups against the Reds, holding a 37-13 record in their past 50 contests against Cincinnati.
On the other hand, the Reds have struggled to find their footing, posting a 1-5 record on their current 10-game homestand and a 4-12 record in their last 16 games. Despite showing flashes of potential earlier in the season, Cincinnati has faltered in recent weeks, failing to capitalize on scoring opportunities and falling short in key moments.
Manager David Bell acknowledged the Brewers’ impressive performance, highlighting their strong plays, timely hits, and solid pitching. “The Brewers did what they had to do tonight, great plays, great swings, and good pitching,” Bell said. “They’re good.”
As the series finale approaches, the Brewers are set to send Tobias Myers to the mound in an effort to clinch the sweep. Myers, who pitched a stellar game against the Reds earlier in the month, will look to end his seven-game winless streak and contribute to Milwaukee’s continued success on the field.
The Reds, on the other hand, have not announced their starting pitching plans for the final game of the series, leaving room for uncertainty regarding their approach on the mound. With the potential use of an opener for the second consecutive game, Cincinnati faces a challenge in containing the Brewers’ potent lineup and turning the tide in their favor.
The stage is set for an exciting conclusion to the series, as the Brewers aim to extend their winning streak and solidify their position as one of the top teams in the league. With Chourio’s late-inning heroics serving as a catalyst for success, Milwaukee looks poised to continue their winning ways and build momentum as they push towards the postseason.