Milwaukee Brewers Best Cincinnati Reds In Game 1, Terry Francona Lineup Questions Persist

Off The Bench by Chatterbox Sports

On June 2, 2025, the Milwaukee Brewers edged out the Cincinnati Reds 3-2 in Game 1 of their series at Great American Ball Park, extending their winning streak to eight games, the longest since August 2023. The Brewers’ victory was powered by Christian Yelich’s heroics and a resilient pitching effort, while the Reds struggled to capitalize on early momentum. Yelich, fresh off being named National League Player of the Week, delivered the decisive blow with a 417-foot solo home run in the third inning off Reds starter Brady Singer (6-4, 4.60 ERA). The full-count slider, crushed to straightaway center, gave Milwaukee a 3-2 lead they wouldn’t relinquish. Yelich’s hot streak continued, as he’s now batting .450 over a nine-game hitting streak, with six homers and 14 RBIs. Sal Frelick also contributed, going 2-for-4, bolstering the Brewers’ offense. The Reds struck first, scoring two runs in the opening inning against Brewers starter Aaron Civale (1-1, 6.00 ERA). However, Civale settled down, pitching 5 1/3 innings, allowing just those two runs while striking out five. His recovery was critical, especially after missing nearly two months with a strained left hamstring. The Brewers’ bullpen, a strength all season, sealed the deal. Rob Zastryzny, acquired from the Yankees in May, was pivotal in the sixth, striking out Jose Trevino and inducing a groundout from Santiago Espinal with runners on base. Trevor Megill closed the game with a perfect ninth, earning his 12th save in 13 chances. For Cincinnati, the loss highlighted ongoing offensive struggles. Despite the early lead, the Reds managed only a few hits after the first, with Singer’s six innings undermined by Yelich’s homer. The Reds’ inability to convert opportunities, like the sixth-inning threat, underscored their 29-31 record and inconsistent play at home (14-14). The game, played before a lively Cincinnati crowd with temperatures at 76°F, showcased Milwaukee’s depth and resilience. With Freddy Peralta (5-3, 2.77 ERA) set to face Hunter Greene (4-3, 2.63 ERA) in Game 2, the Brewers aim to keep their streak alive. Meanwhile, the Reds, desperate to snap out of their funk, face an uphill battle in this series.