The Brewers' hot bats went cold on June 23, 2025, falling 5-2 to the Pirates despite a quality start from Chad Patrick. Find out why they struggled.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
Well, you can't win 'em all. After a scorching hot series against the Twins where runs came in bunches, the Brewers' bats went cold Monday night at American Family Field. The Crew dropped the series opener to the Pittsburgh Pirates 5-2, a frustrating loss defined by missed opportunities and stranded runners that brought their four-game win streak to a halt.
The Brewers left 8 runners on base and went just 1-for-7 with runners in scoring position.
You couldn't ask for much more from starter Chad Patrick. The right-hander delivered a quality start, going six strong innings while allowing just two earned runs and striking out seven. Unfortunately, the offense couldn't provide the support he needed. Pirates starter Graham Ashcraft was masterful, holding Milwaukee to just one run over seven innings. The Crew's only offense came from the bat of William Contreras, who drove in both runs, but it wasn't enough. Despite guys like Brice Turang getting on base with a 2-for-4 night, the team repeatedly failed to get the big hit when it mattered most.
Before we panic, let's remember the context. This loss comes on the heels of an offensive explosion. The Brewers were riding high after plating 35 runs on 47 hits in their previous three games against Minnesota. Joey Ortiz had extended his multi-hit streak to four games, and guys like Rhys Hoskins and Brice Turang were launching homers. This one loss, while frustrating against a division opponent, feels more like a speed bump than a sign of a major problem. The challenge is to prove it's just an off night and not the start of a trend.
While the big-league club stumbled, the future continues to look bright. Top prospect Jesús Made (ranked No. 55 overall) is turning heads in the minors with his rapid development. The organization is reportedly giving him increased exposure, following a similar developmental path that brought Jackson Chourio to the majors so quickly. The strong relationship between Made and Chourio is seen as a major plus for the young prospect's growth. While we wait for the offense to reignite in Milwaukee, it's exciting to know more talent is on the way.
One loss doesn't define a season, but it does raise the stakes for the rest of this series against the Pirates. The Brewers (now 43-36) need to flush this one, find their offensive rhythm again, and provide the run support their pitchers deserve. With two more games against Pittsburgh, they have a chance to prove Monday was an anomaly and take another crucial NL Central series. Let's see if the bats can wake up tomorrow.
