The Milwaukee Brewers have clinched their fourth consecutive National League Central title following a 5-1 victory over the Pittsburgh Pirates on Tuesday night. The division title was officially secured about 50 minutes after the game's conclusion, when the second-place Chicago Cubs lost to Atlanta. Brewers players reportedly watched the end of the Cubs game on television, celebrating the outcome.
Pitcher Jacob Misiorowski was instrumental in the Brewers' win, striking out seven batters over five shutout innings. He lowered his earned run average to a major league-best 1.89 and increased his season strikeout total to 243. Misiorowski, a towering right-hander, threw at least 10 pitches topping 100 mph in the early stages of his outing. He allowed five hits, all singles, en route to his fourth consecutive winning decision.
Joey Ortiz and Luis Lara each drove in two runs for Milwaukee. The Brewers have been consistent postseason participants over the past decade, although they are still pursuing their first World Series appearance since 1982. Last season, Milwaukee was swept by the Los Angeles Dodgers in the NL Championship Series. This marks their eighth postseason qualification in nine years.
The Brewers established an early lead against Pirates opener Lake Bachar. Jake Bauers led off with a single, advanced on a groundout and wild pitch, and scored on Lara's sacrifice fly.
Misiorowski exited the game after throwing 82 pitches, 43 of which exceeded 100 mph. His performance strengthens his case for a potential Cy Young Award.
For the Pirates, Brandon Lowe hit his 30th home run of the season, tying a franchise record of 171 team home runs set in 1999. Rafael Flores Jr. contributed four hits for Pittsburgh, which fell back to a record below .500 at 75-76. The Pirates wore Roberto Clemente's No. 21 jersey in honor of the Hall of Fame outfielder.
The Brewers and Pirates are scheduled to continue their series on Wednesday. Logan Henderson is slated to start for Milwaukee against Pittsburgh's Jared Jones.