William Contreras's 11th-inning HR lifts Brewers over Nationals 5-4 on Aug 1, 2025. Yelich shines as Milwaukee wins after a wild MLB trade deadline day.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
Just hours after a frenetic trade deadline saw the front office making moves for both the present and future, William Contreras provided his own brand of late-night fireworks. The All-Star catcher launched a go-ahead solo home run in the 11th inning, lifting the Milwaukee Brewers to a dramatic 5-4 victory over the Washington Nationals and putting an exclamation point on one of the busiest days of the season.
We're able to maintain prospect capital and access a really good player, so we think that's a great outcome.
It was a nail-biter from start to finish in D.C. Freddy Peralta delivered a strong start, striking out eight Nationals over six innings while allowing three runs. The offense, led by a scorching Christian Yelich who went 3-for-5 with a double and two RBIs, kept the Crew in the fight. But the game's defining moment came in the top of the 11th, when Contreras crushed his 17th homer of the year to break the 4-4 tie. Devin Williams then shut the door in the bottom half, striking out two to lock down his 28th save and improve the Brewers' record to 54-40.
GM Matt Arnold was busy on deadline day, executing a fascinating, low-risk, high-reward trade with the Diamondbacks. The Brewers acquired injured pitchers Shelby Miller (RHP) and Jordan Montgomery (LHP) for a player to be named later or cash. Montgomery is out for the year after Tommy John surgery, making him a 2026 play. Miller, however, could be a factor down the stretch. The 34-year-old had a sparkling 1.98 ERA and 10 saves before an elbow injury sidelined him in early July. If he can get healthy, he could be a huge bullpen weapon for the playoff push.
The day's other trade was a direct response to a developing situation. With rookie sensation Jackson Chourio likely heading to the 10-day IL with a right hamstring injury, Arnold moved quickly to shore up the outfield. The Brewers sent LHP Nestor Cortes, a minor leaguer, and cash to the Padres in exchange for speedy Triple-A outfielder Brandon Lockridge. Lockridge is expected to be called up immediately to fill Chourio's spot on the roster, providing much-needed depth and speed.
While Lockridge fills the immediate need, another name is forcing his way into the conversation down on the farm. Top prospect Tyler Black is on an absolute tear for the Triple-A Nashville Sounds. Over the last 30 days, Black has posted a blistering .333/.405/.547 slash line with eight extra-base hits and five stolen bases. Hitting .309 on the season, his positional versatility and hot bat make him a prime candidate for a September call-up to help fuel a postseason run.
What a day to be a Brewers fan. The team showed its grit on the field with a tough extra-inning win, while the front office showcased its trademark creativity at the deadline. They didn't land the biggest fish, but they made shrewd moves to bolster the organization for this year and the next without mortgaging the future. As they continue the series in Washington, the Brewers are a team that's still fighting, still building, and still very much in the hunt for the NL Central crown.
