Milwaukee Brewers’ 14-game win streak snapped, underdog squad still leads MLB

The GIST: The Milwaukee Brewers’ franchise record 14-game win streak was snapped with yesterday’s narrow 3–2 extra inning loss to the Cincinnati Reds, but the Brew Crew’s rise to the top of the MLB standings is still the talk of the diamond.

• Here’s the scoop on how the “power of friendship” (and some really good baseball) has taken this underdog team from a dismal 25-28 season start to leading the league with playoffs just over a month away.

🤝 Teamwork making the dream work: While the sport is traditionally dominated by superstars, the Brewers have found magic in unexpected places. Take left fielder Isaac Collins’ rise from minor leagues toiler to National League (NL) Rookie of the Year contender, for example, or pitcher Quinn Priester’s remarkable turnaround. Milwaukee’s roster has been full of glow-ups.

• That “everybody contributes” mentality has been instrumental to this squad’s success, especially as they contend with injuries, namely to superstar outfielder Jackson Chourio.

💪 “Average Joes” display heart and hustle: “A bunch of guys nobody’s ever heard of,” as Milwaukee manager Pat Murphy put it, are getting it done without a massive payroll. The Brewers posted eight comeback victories across their 14-game win streak and lead the NL in stolen bases, a testament to the trademark grit that’s characterized their run. Young, scrappy, and hungry.