Joey Ortiz's first career grand slam powered the Brewers past the Mets 7-2 on July 2. Quinn Priester pitched a gem in the doubleheader opener. Recap.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
Some days are just bigger than others. For Joey Ortiz, Wednesday was one of those days. The Brewers infielder blasted his first career grand slam in the sixth inning at Citi Field, breaking a 2-2 tie and propelling Milwaukee to a decisive 7-2 victory over the New York Mets in the first game of a doubleheader.
'It felt great to come through for the team. We strung together some really good at-bats in that inning.'
The game was a tight affair until the Brewers' offense erupted for a five-run sixth inning. With the bases loaded and the score knotted at two, Joey Ortiz stepped to the plate and delivered the biggest swing of his career, a grand slam that sent the Brewers' dugout into a frenzy. It was the exclamation point on a 10-hit performance by the Crew. As Ortiz noted postgame, it was a total team effort, capitalizing on opportunities to set the table for his big moment. On the mound, Quinn Priester was equally impressive, tossing 6.0 solid innings with six strikeouts and allowing just two earned runs to pick up the win.
The joy of the win was tempered by some significant roster news. The Brewers confirmed that outfielder Garrett Mitchell will miss the remainder of the 2025 season after undergoing left shoulder surgery. While hopes were high for a late-season return, the promising 26-year-old will now target Spring Training 2026. It's a tough blow for both Mitchell and the team. However, as one door closes for 2025, another is about to open. The team announced that ace Brandon Woodruff is finally set to make his long-awaited season debut this Sunday in Miami. After nearly two years of battling back from injury, Woody's return to the rotation is a massive boost for a team with championship aspirations.
While the focus was on New York, the organization also had its eyes on the past and future. The team's social media dropped a highlight reel of the top plays from June, a great reminder of the defensive gems and offensive firepower—featuring guys like Priester and Ortiz—that have defined their recent success. Meanwhile, the front office is already looking ahead to October, facing decisions on 34 upcoming minor league free agents. These evaluations are crucial for sustaining the talent pipeline that keeps the big league club competitive year after year.
With one win already banked in the doubleheader, the Brewers look to keep the momentum going. All eyes will now shift to the weekend series in Miami, where the return of Brandon Woodruff marks a pivotal moment in the season. Wednesday was a perfect snapshot of a baseball season: a thrilling victory, a heartbreaking injury, and the promise of a star's return. This team continues to prove it can handle it all.
