MILWAUKEE — The Milwaukee Brewers clinched the National League Central on Tuesday night after the Chicago Cubs lost against the Atlanta Braves.
While the team lost against the St. Louis Cardinals, the unexpected Cubs loss after holding a large lead meant the Brew Crew got to take home the title for the third time in the last five seasons.
Following the game, the team and their fans at American Family Field got to watch the Cubs lose on the big screen and cheer on the Brewers, who clinched in front of fans in an unconventional way.
The win called for champagne showers in the team’s locker room. Dozens of bottles of champagne and beer were being poured over teammates’ heads as the team reveled in their division title, even after a loss.
“We got our part done now and we will do our best over the next five days to make sure everyone is prepared,” Brewers Manager Craig Counsell said.
Overall, players said it was a good feeling to be in this position with the postseason just around the corner.
“I keep enjoying it because it’s a great feeling,” Brewers starting pitcher Freddy Peralta said.
The team got the chance to come back on the field to take a team picture and reunite with family and fans who stuck around. Celebrating among fans was none other than Brewers legend Bob Uecker. The team’s longtime radio voice got emotional watching the team pull it off.
“Baseball is my life,” Uecker said. “All these guys, no matter who they are or how long they have been here, whether they come through here for a week, they are here.”
Tuesday was time to soak it all in and celebrate. For Brewers outfielder Christian Yelich, winning the division was a huge accomplishment.
“Whether you do it with a win or how we did it tonight, you know it’s a long year, it’s something that’s really hard to do, and to put yourself in a position like this is really special,” Yelich said.
Following the end of the regular season on Sunday as division champs, the Brewers will now host a best of three Wild Card Series at American Family Field. That begins next Tuesday.
For those wanting postseason gear, the team store opens at 11 a.m. on Wednesday with new items.
