Brewers outperform preseason expectations again to win 3rd NL Central title in 4 years
The Milwaukee Brewers became the first major league team to clinch a playoff spot when they sealed their third NL Central title in the last four years
MILWAUKEE (AP) — The Milwaukee Brewers have grown accustomed to clinching playoff berths just about every year, but this latest celebration differed from the rest because it was so unexpected.
“It was like nobody thought we were going to be here today,” shortstop Willy Adames said Wednesday after the Brewers won their third NL Central title in four years. “Now we’re here. I don’t know what they’re going to say after this."
Milwaukee became the first major league team to reach the postseason Wednesday afternoon when the Chicago Cubs' 5-3 home loss to the Oakland Athletics enabled the Brewers to wrap up the division crown.
The Brewers' clubhouse emptied of players with one out to go in the ninth inning in Chicago, a couple of hours before Milwaukee's scheduled first pitch against Philadelphia. A muffled cheer could be heard after the final out when the Brewers won consecutive division titles for the first time in 42 years.