Not even a seven-run deficit can stop the Milwaukee Brewers. On Friday night, the Brewers showcased their resilience by overcoming an 8-1 deficit against the Cincinnati Reds at Great American Ball Park, ultimately winning the game 10-8. This thrilling victory marks the Brewers' 13th consecutive win, tying the franchise record for the longest single-season winning streak. Remarkably, this streak is now the second-longest in the overall history of the Brewers.
The comeback began in earnest during the third inning when Andrew Vaughn, who has been a standout player in recent weeks, smashed a three-run home run. This pivotal moment brought the Brewers within three runs of the Reds. However, the true offensive star of the night was Christian Yelich. He delivered an impressive performance, going 4 for 5 at the plate, which included a double and two home runs. Notably, Yelich hit the go-ahead home run in the sixth inning, bringing his team closer to victory. He finished just a triple short of achieving his fourth career cycle, having completed this feat three times previously against the Reds.
Yelich's remarkable performance was made even more special as he wielded a Bob Uecker bat during Players Weekend. This bat was originally created for last year’s Players Weekend, but Yelich was sidelined due to a back injury at that time. The legendary broadcaster Bob Uecker passed away at the age of 90 in January, leaving behind a rich legacy. Yelich shared his sentiments about Uecker's life, stating, “What a good life. A great life, 90 years. We should all be so fortunate.” He reminisced about the unforgettable stories Uecker would tell, emphasizing the unique charm of his anecdotes.
On the mound, the Brewers' rookie sensation, Jacob Misiorowski, faced challenges in his first start back from a left tibia contusion, allowing five runs in just 1 1/3 innings. Misiorowski threw 54 pitches before being relieved by lefty DL Hall, who was charged with three runs over 2 2/3 innings. Despite this shaky start, the Brewers' bullpen stepped up magnificently, as five relievers combined to retire the last 23 Reds batters, showcasing the team's depth and resilience.
This 13-game winning streak ties the 1987 Brewers team, which also achieved a 13-game streak during the season, winning its first 13 games. When combined with the final three games of the 1986 season, the franchise record stands at a remarkable 16-game winning streak spanning both years. This current 13-game stretch also ties the Minnesota Twins for the longest winning streak in baseball this year.
The Brewers’ comeback was particularly noteworthy as it marked their largest recovery since last September 22, when they rallied from an 8-0 deficit to defeat the Arizona Diamondbacks 10-9. The biggest comeback in franchise history, however, remains a nine-run deficit overcome against the Houston Astros on May 22, 2000. Following Friday's victory, the Brewers improved their record to an MLB-best 77-44, winning 28 of their last 32 games. In contrast, the Reds fell to 64-59, now sitting half a game behind the third wild card spot in the playoffs.
