It’s been less than 24 hours since the Brewers clinched their fourth straight NL Central title, and their visiting locker room at PNC Park probably still smells like champagne. The Brewers are still playing for postseason positioning, though; they remain just two games up on the Dodgers for the top record (and homefield advantage) in the National League, and while they’ve built some cushion (5.5 games as of today) between themselves and the Braves, the Brewers still need to see things out to ensure
that they can skip the Wild Card round.
While we might expect to see a little bit of a letup on the throttle (have you seen those gas prices?), tonight still offers a fun matchup between two excellent young pitchers. On the mound for the Brewers is Logan Henderson, the clear number two on the Brewers’ roster heading into the postseason. Henderson is making his 17th start, and looks to improve on what are some of the best rate stats in the league this season. Henderson’s remarkable run continues as he has not allowed more than three runs in any start all season, and has allowed even three just twice.
For the Pirates, it’ll be Jared Jones making his 18th start this year. It’s been a mixed bag for Jones in his age-24 season, but he’s on a roll in September: in 13 innings across two starts, he’s allowed just four hits and hasn’t allowed a run while striking out 17. Jones has an electric arm and he seems to be rounding back into form after missing all of 2025, so the Brewers will have their work cut out for them.
In the first version of Milwaukee’s lineup tonight, Garrett Mitchell was included, but he was a late scratch with “neck tightness.” Given the celebration last night, I’m not going to worry about it unless it lingers past tomorrow. Luis Lara will start in his place in center field, with Jackson Chourio and Jake Bauers flanking him. Andrew Vaughn is at first base, while Joey Ortiz is at third and Brice Turang at second. After missing last night’s game with illness, Cooper Pratt is back in the lineup. William Contreras is catching.
First pitch is at 5:40 pm on Brewers TV and the Brewers Radio Network.
