Brewers fall to Cardinals 7-4 on June 14, 2025, despite Sal Frelick's 2-run double. A rough start for Quintana doomed the Crew, but is a top prospect the real story?
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
It was a classic 'one step forward, two steps back' kind of day for the Milwaukee Brewers, who fell to the St. Louis Cardinals 7-4. A rough start on the mound put the Crew in an early hole they couldn't quite dig out of, despite a gritty bullpen performance and a key two-run double from Sal Frelick that briefly sparked comeback hopes. The loss stings, but it also highlighted the team's resilience and offered a peek at the talent waiting in the wings.
While the big league club struggled, top prospect RHP Jacob Misiorowski has posted a stunning 1.60 ERA over 56.1 IP with improved command at Double-A.
The game was largely decided in the early innings, as starter Jose Quintana couldn't find his rhythm against a potent Cardinals lineup. The big blow came from St. Louis second baseman Nolan Gorman, who launched a three-run homer that put the Brewers in a deep 7-1 hole. However, once Quintana exited after the 5th, the Brewers' bullpen was lights out. The relief corps held the Cardinals scoreless for the remainder of the game, giving the offense a fighting chance to claw its way back.
The Brewers' offense showed signs of life but couldn't string together the big rally they needed. The brightest moment came in the bottom of the 5th when Sal Frelick laced a two-run double into the gap, cutting the lead to 7-3. Though it had a modest 80.4 mph exit velocity, the well-placed hit provided a much-needed jolt. William Contreras also chipped in, going 1-for-4 and scoring a run, but the bats ultimately fell silent when it mattered most, leaving the bullpen's stellar work unrewarded.
While the mood was somber at the major league level, the future continues to look incredibly bright down on the farm. With no major roster or injury news, the focus shifts to the pipeline, which remains one of baseball's best. Eighteen-year-old shortstop Jesus Made is tearing up the Carolina League, while hard-throwing righty Jacob Misiorowski is dominating at Double-A with a minuscule 1.60 ERA and better control. Meanwhile, fellow shortstop Cooper Pratt is showcasing his power-speed combo at Biloxi. These prospects serve as a reminder that even after a tough loss, the organization is loaded with talent for years to come.
It was a frustrating Saturday at American Family Field, no doubt. But this loss doesn't feel like a season-defining moment. The bullpen showed its strength, and there are positive signs from key players like Frelick. The key moving forward is getting the starting pitching and the offense to click on the same day. The Brewers will look to bounce back tomorrow and salvage a split in this crucial series against a division rival. They'll need a cleaner start and more timely hitting to get it done.
