BASEBALL: Facing uneven Brewers, Marlins out to continue home success

Off to an unusual start, the Milwaukee Brewers are set to visit the Miami Marlins for a three-game series starting on Friday.

Milwaukee comes off a tough stretch. The Brewers began the season with an 8-2 record but then hit a rough patch, losing six straight games— their longest losing streak since June 2023. However, they bounced back with two hard-fought 2-1 victories over the visiting Toronto Blue Jays on Wednesday and Thursday.

Milwaukee’s Thursday win was marked by an unconventional strategy. The Brewers executed three consecutive bunts during their two-run rally in the seventh inning, a rare tactic at the big-league level.

"Growing up playing the game, ‘small ball' was huge," said Brewers pitcher Brandon Sproat. "In the big leagues, you don't see it as much, but it still works."

Another intriguing aspect for the Brewers: Aaron Ashby (5-0, 3.21 ERA), who leads all of Major League Baseball in wins, is a reliever who has pitched just 14 innings this season.

Over the last two days, Milwaukee's bullpen was relied upon heavily, pitching 4 2/3 scoreless innings. Ashby earned the win in both contests but is expected to rest on Friday.

Though the Brewers have not yet named a starter for the series opener, it’s worth noting that they finished last season with the best record in the National League. While they may not resemble that team right now, Milwaukee has proven over the years that it's not wise to bet against them.

Excluding the COVID-shortened season, the Brewers have posted eight consecutive winning seasons, and they’ve clinched the NL Central title each of the past three years.

Meanwhile, the Marlins are coming off a 1-5 road trip but were off Thursday, which should leave their bullpen well-rested. Miami has been strong at home, with a 7-3 record at loanDepot park.

Manager Clayton McCullough sees some bright spots for the Marlins, including DH/catcher Liam Hicks, who boasts a .900 OPS and enters Friday tied for fifth in the majors with 18 RBIs.

"Liam's at-bat quality has been on display," McCullough said. "Seeing him impact the ball has been encouraging."

The Marlins may soon see more good news as 2025 All-Star outfielder Kyle Stowers (strained right hamstring) is currently on a minor league rehab stint.

Besides Hicks, Miami’s leaders in OPS include Otto Lopez (.894), Xavier Edwards (.884), Connor Norby (.852), and Gold Glove winner Javier Sanoja (.801).

Entering Friday, the Marlins are tied for second in the majors in stolen bases (25), but they sit tied for 26th in home runs (14).

Miami will send right-hander Janson Junk (0-2, 4.32 ERA) to the mound on Friday. Junk is 1-0 with a 5.40 ERA in his only appearance against Milwaukee, a five-inning start on July 26. The 30-year-old made his Marlins debut in 2025, posting a 6-4 record with a 4.17 ERA in what was his best season to date. He made 21 appearances, including 16 starts. Junk’s breakout came after he focused on his slider and increased his strike rate. -Field Level Media/Reuters