MLB wrap: Brewers clinch final National League playoff spot

Ameer Tyree

MLB wrap: Brewers clinch final National League playoff spot image

The Brewers clinched the final National League playoff spot Wednesday with a 9-2 win over the Reds.

Milwaukee dominated as it punched its ticket to the postseason just one day after the Nationals secured a wild-card spot.

Ryan Braun made the most of his time at the plate. While the Brewers outfielder only had one hit, it was a grand slam in the first inning.

Milwaukee ended up scoring six first-inning runs and cruised from there. 

Reds starter Tyler Mahle gave up eight runs (seven earned) in 2 1/3 innings before being pulled.

The Brewers can still catch the Cardinals and win the division. They trail St. Louis by 1 1/2 games with four left to play. 

The Braves and Dodgers have already secured division titles while Washington will play in the wild-card game. 

Studs of the Night

Wilmer Flores went 3 for 4 with four RBIs as Arizona topped St. Louis 9-7.

Rowdy Tellez hit two home runs in the Blue Jays' 3-2 win against the Orioles.

Philadelphia's Drew Smyly tallied 10 strikeouts as the Phillies fell to the Nationals 5-2.

Duds of the Night

Mitch Garver struck out four times in the Twins' 5-1 win against the Tigers.

The Cubs' Nicholas Castellanos was hitless in four at-bats in Chicago's 4-2 loss to Pittsburgh.

Highlight

Eugenio Suarez has done a lot of this in 2019.

What's Next?

Cubs (82-76) at Pirates (67-91) 7:05 p.m. ET ⁠— The Cubs had a strong chance to secure a wild-card spot just a few weeks ago, but they've lost eight in a row and were officially eliminated from playoff contention Wednesday. Chicago will look to get back in the win column with Jose Quintana (13-8, 4.55 ERA) on the mound. Pittsburgh will counter with Joe Musgrove (10-12, 4.49 ERA).

 

Ameer Tyree