With the regular season rapidly winding down, time as much as their opponents is against the Milwaukee Brewers.
With 11 games left in their regular season, the Brewers (82-71) currently are on the outside looking in, trailing the Philadelphia Phillies (83-69) for the third and final wild card spot in the National League. The Atlanta Braves (96-58) and San Diego Padres (85-68) own the top two wild card spots. The Los Angeles Dodgers, St. Louis Cardinals and New York Mets lead their respective divisions in the National League.
Although it’s an uphill battle, the Brewers still believe a postseason berth is attainable.
“That’s the energy the guys have,” said shortstop Willy Adames. “We know we need to win, and we have to do whatever is possible to enter the postseason. If we reach the playoffs that way, it’s better.”
After finishing a two-game set in Cincinnati this weekend, Milwaukee closes its season with nine games at home (2 vs. St. Louis, 4 vs. Miami, 3 vs. Arizona). Although the Cardinals are one of the best teams in the league, the Marlins and Diamondbacks are both under .500.
Regardless of schedule difficulty, the Brewers will lean on its team leaders for a final push.
Offensively, Adames has had a terrific season with 31 home runs, 95 RBIs and a .790 OPS. Rowdy Tellez (32 HR, 85 RBIs), Hunter Renfroe (25 HR, 63 RBIs) and Andrew McCutcheon (17 HR, 69 RBI) have provided punch as well.
On the mound, right-handers Corbin Burnes (10-8, 3.12 ERA) and Brandon Woodruff (12-4, 3.18 ERA) are turning in terrific seasons. In the bullpen, Devin Williams is the closer with Josh Hader now pitching in San Diego. Williams is 6-3 with a 1.72 ERA and has converted 14 of 15 save opportunities.
