The Milwaukee Brewers fell short of expectations and fell short in a tight game versus the Arizona Diamondbacks in Game 1 of the NL Wild Card. They performed quite well overall, but not well enough to get a win at home to open the best-of-three series.
It's currently unknown who the Brewers starter will be for Game 2 on Wednesday, but the Diamondbacks will be using ace pitcher Zac Gallen. The starter for the Brewers was supposed to be Brandon Woodruff, but he isn't healthy and won't pitch in the Wild Card.
The Brewers were the better team, but they failed to score more runs despite having more runners on base than the Diamondbacks. Leaving this many runners on base is the main factor in their loss. Having said that, though, these three Brewers deserve the most blame for the loss.
Brewers to blame for Game 1 loss, No. 3: Devin Williams
In a close game, the Brewers decided to put in Devin Williams with a one-run difference, but he collapsed and couldn't give the club a clean ninth inning. Overall, he didn't look good compared to his stellar overall regular-season performance.
He was tasked with getting three outs while the team trailed 4-3, but was only able to get two before getting replaced by Bryse Wilson. Williams was unable to find the zone, giving up three walks and two hits, ultimately conceding two earned runs.
In such a close game, Williams' inability to close up the top of the ninth inning might have cost them the game, as coming back from one run down is a far easier task than the eventual three-run deficit that they entered the bottom of the ninth facing.
Williams luckily might be able to pitch on Wednesday if there is a save opportunity. However, that is if they could even make it that far with the dilapidated bullpen, which used eight pitchers in just nine innings.
One could argue that you can't blame Williams because he should never have been put in a non-save opportunity. They should have originally used Bryse Wilson instead of ever attempting to use Williams. That doesn't erase the closer's poor showing, though.
Brewers to blame for Game 1 loss, No. 2: Corbin Burnes
Corbin Burnes didn't impress and failed to go deep into this game, only able to pitch four innings before getting replaced by Abner Uribe.
Burnes only went four innings and gave up five hits, two walks, and three home runs to combine for four earned runs. Due to his inability to register even five innings in the box score, the Brewers had to dig deep into the bullpen, which used eight arms, and that could hurt them long-term.
After Burnes was taken out, they replaced him with Uribe, then used Elvis Peguero, Hoby Milner, Joel Payamps, and Devin Williams -- who is usually the closer but was put in to stop more scoring -- before finishing with Bryse Wilson.
The Brewers depleted the bullpen when they needed it most. Brandon Woodruff will be out in the must-win Game 2 versus the Diamondbacks. If they aren't able to win during the second game on Wednesday, they will be going home empty-handed, which would be another postseason disappointment for Milwaukee.
Burnes pitched in 32 games in 2023 and had an ERA of 3.39, but he hasn't been able to secure many wins. He recently won the Cy-Young and has been one of the best pitchers, but has been unable to win games with the team, which is probably why they are considering trading him this offseason.
Brewers to blame for Game 1 loss, No. 1: Mark Canha
Mark Canha has been a very good hitter since joining the Milwaukee Brewers at the trade deadline. Many had high expectations for him going into this postseason, but he struggled against Diamondbacks pitching.
Canha did reach base once on a hit-by-pitch, but on the night as a whole, ended going 0-for-4 with two strikeouts. One could argue that he was set up to fail as he was put in the clean-up spot in the Brewers lineup.
For all his talents, he's not a No. 4 hitter. That's a spot that should've gone to William Contreras or maybe even Josh Donaldson. If manager Craig Counsell can put Canha in a more comfortable spot in the lineup, though, he could be in for a big bounce-back Game 2.
Canha has a team option on his contract for the 2024 season, but after his performances tonight and his age, it could be a tough decision. The Brewers need more all-around players like Canha, but his price could be too excessive for them at $12 million. If he turns it around after Game 1, though, it will be a less difficult call for the front office.
