Image Source: Brew Crew Ball
Brewers fans are watching a historic moment take shape as Milwaukee entered its September 24 matchup with the Philadelphia Phillies just one victory away from the first 100-win season in franchise history. With a 99-59 record, the club had already secured the National League Central and was now focused on completing an extraordinary regular season in style.
Brewers Chase a Historic 100-Win Milestone
The opportunity represents more than another mark in the standings. The Brewers have never finished a regular season with 100 victories, making the game in Philadelphia a potentially defining chapter for the organization. Milwaukee’s impressive campaign has combined steady pitching, a deep lineup, and consistent performances across the roster.
According to Brew Crew Ball, the Brewers entered the contest with their first chance to win 100 games. The achievement would provide a powerful final statement before the postseason and give the club additional momentum heading into the National League Division Series.
The team’s recent form also added intrigue. Milwaukee’s offense had been swinging a hot bat, while Philadelphia was expected to present a challenging matchup at home. Both starting pitchers entered with earned run averages above 4.00, creating the possibility of an aggressive, high-scoring contest.
Shane Drohan Gets a Critical Starting Assignment
Milwaukee had not announced its starter until shortly before the game as the coaching staff continued arranging its pitching plans for the upcoming NLDS. Left-hander Shane Drohan ultimately received the call, giving him an important opportunity to strengthen his case for a postseason role.
Drohan had not started since September 12. His two most recent appearances came out of the bullpen, where he combined to throw 2⅓ scoreless innings. That recent relief work offered encouragement, particularly as Milwaukee considers how to respond if a starter exits early during the playoffs.
However, Drohan’s last two starts were difficult. He surrendered 11 runs, 10 hits, and four home runs across those outings. The start against Philadelphia therefore carried significance beyond the regular-season schedule. A strong performance could improve his standing as a reliable left-handed option, while another struggle would create further questions about his postseason availability.
Andrew Painter Brings an Uneven September Record
The Phillies planned to counter with Andrew Painter, who had experienced an up-and-down rookie season. Painter entered September with a 4.03 ERA for the month and had completed more than five innings only twice during that stretch.
He had also allowed four home runs in September, a detail that gave Milwaukee’s hitters reason to remain confident. The Brewers had a chance to pressure the rookie early, especially with their offense producing strong results late in the season.
The matchup offered a clear contrast: Drohan was trying to establish himself as a flexible pitching option, while Painter was attempting to find consistency before Philadelphia’s season reached its conclusion.
Milwaukee Adjusts Its Lineup for Philadelphia
The Brewers made several notable lineup changes for the game. Jackson Chourio, Christian Yelich, and Andrew Vaughn were not included in the starting lineup, creating opportunities for other players to make an impact.
- Garrett Mitchell led off.
- Brice Turang followed in the batting order.
- William Contreras hit third.
- Gary Sánchez started behind the plate.
- Sal Frelick moved into left field.
- Joey Ortiz played third base.
Joey Ortiz’s presence at third base also kept David Hamilton out of the starting lineup. These decisions reflected the balance between pursuing a historic victory and managing the roster with the postseason approaching.
Milwaukee’s lineup remained dangerous despite the absences. Mitchell’s speed at the top, Turang’s contact ability, and Contreras’ production in the heart of the order gave the Brewers several ways to create pressure. Sánchez and Frelick also provided additional experience and athleticism in key defensive positions.
Why the Brewers’ Milestone Matters
A 100-win season would immediately become one of the most memorable accomplishments in Brewers history. It would also reinforce the club’s status as one of the National League’s strongest teams entering October.
The milestone could carry practical benefits as well. Milwaukee was already preparing its rotation and bullpen structure for the NLDS, and the final regular-season games offered valuable chances to evaluate players in different roles. The Brewers could celebrate the record while still using the remaining schedule to fine-tune their playoff plans.
For fans, the moment represented a rare opportunity to witness history in real time. Milwaukee had spent the season building a commanding record, and a victory over Philadelphia would officially place the franchise in unfamiliar but thrilling territory.
Game Details and What Comes Next
The Brewers and Phillies were scheduled to begin at 5:05 p.m. Milwaukee fans could watch the game on Brewers.TV or listen through WTMJ 620. The result would determine whether the Brewers reached 100 wins immediately or carried the pursuit into their next game.
Regardless of the outcome, Milwaukee’s regular season had already established the team as a formidable postseason contender. The next priority will be preserving health, clarifying pitching roles, and ensuring the lineup is ready for the intensity of October baseball.
What record did the Brewers have entering the game?
Milwaukee entered the September 24 matchup with a 99-59 record, needing one victory to reach 100 wins for the first time in franchise history.
Who started for the Brewers?
Left-hander Shane Drohan was scheduled to start for Milwaukee after recently making two scoreless relief appearances.
Who was Philadelphia’s starting pitcher?
Andrew Painter was scheduled to start for the Phillies. He entered with a 4.03 ERA during September.
Which Brewers players were absent from the starting lineup?
Jackson Chourio, Christian Yelich, and Andrew Vaughn were not in Milwaukee’s starting lineup for the game.
