"It doesn't surprise me": Brewers' 11th win in a row makes them MLB's best

Milwaukee Brewers Continue Dominance with 11-Game Winning Streak

The Milwaukee Brewers have taken center stage in Major League Baseball, and for good reason. On Monday night, July 21, they delivered a 6-0 shutout of the Seattle Mariners at T-Mobile Park, which, combined with losses by the Chicago Cubs and Detroit Tigers earlier that evening, propelled them to a 60-40 record with a .600 winning percentage. This marks the best record in the league so far, slightly outperforming the American League’s top team and its Central Division rival.

"It doesn’t surprise me," said starter Brandon Woodruff, who played a pivotal role in the victory. "We’ve got a lot of great guys in this clubhouse, and it’s a fun team. I feel like we say that every year, but this year’s a little bit different in a way. We’re just playing good baseball – we’re getting guys on, we’re doing the little things to win baseball games, and that’s what it takes."

Manager Pat Murphy had a more cryptic take when asked about the Brewers' current standing. "My reaction is July 21," he said. "You read into that whatever you’d like. That’s my quote – July 21."

Offense Breaks Through in the Sixth

The offense finally broke through in the sixth inning, ending George Kirby's no-hitter attempt. Kirby had recorded 11 ground-ball outs through the first five innings, but the Brewers’ offensive surge turned the game around. Joey Ortiz opened the frame with a single, followed by Brice Turang’s double. A sacrifice fly by William Contreras scored Ortiz, and then Christian Yelich, Jackson Chourio, and Isaac Collins each contributed hits, leading to a four-run lead.

"Once we got that one hit, it goes back to passing the bat and making sure the next guy gets up and the next guy," said Ortiz. "You see how it strung out – everybody in the lineup got an at-bat and we put up four runs and just like that, it’s how quickly it happens."

The Brewers added two more insurance runs in the eighth inning, with Yelich driving in a run on a chopper that was mishandled by reliever Brandyn Garcia, and Chourio’s single sealing the win.

Brandon Woodruff Shines Again

Despite Kirby’s strong performance early on, Woodruff was equally impressive. He struck out the first two batters in a 1-2-3 sixth inning, though he felt the beginnings of a cramp and was replaced by Aaron Ashby for the seventh. Woodruff (2-0) didn't issue a walk, struck out five, and twice hit 96.2 mph on the radar gun.

"He’s a better pitcher than he ever was without the same stuff, but the stuff is trending up too at the right time," said Murphy. "Innings 3-4-5, even inning six his stuff was really good. Just so happy for him."

Woodruff reflected on his return from shoulder surgery, saying, "No, I did not, and I’m proud to be a part of it. It’s fun when you’re winning. Each and every day you come to the field, your mind doesn’t want to go, ‘When’s it going to stop?’ I think we’re in a spot now where we’re continuing to play good baseball. Hope to keep it going."

Defensive Highlights

Joey Ortiz made a standout defensive play in the eighth inning, snaring a bouncer from Julio Rodríguez and firing a quick throw to first base to preserve the shutout. "Just making sure it’s a good enough throw to where Vaughn has to pick it, or it’s straight on a line," Ortiz said. "With Julio running you’ve got to get rid of it quick, and luckily I was able to put a good throw on the bag."

Murphy praised Ortiz’s defensive efforts, calling him "incredible" and suggesting he deserves consideration as a great shortstop.

Upcoming Schedule

The Brewers will face the Mariners again on Tuesday, July 22, at 8:40 p.m. CT. The game will be broadcast on FanDuel Sports Wisconsin. Starting pitchers for the matchup will be Milwaukee RHP Jacob Misiorowski (4-1, 2.81) against Seattle RHP Logan Gilbert (2-3, 3.39).

On Wednesday, July 23, the Brewers will play another afternoon game at 2:40 p.m. CT. Milwaukee RHP Quinn Priester (8-2, 3.33) will take the mound against Seattle RHP Luis Castillo (7-5, 3.21). The game will also be available on FanDuel Sports Wisconsin.