Bauers’ 13-Pitch Marathon Ends in Crushing Homer vs Braves
Brewers Beat Braves 4-1 Behind Bauers’ Epic Homer and Henderson’s Strong Start
The Big Picture
The Milwaukee Brewers took down the Atlanta Braves 4-1 on Friday night at American Family Field. The win gave Milwaukee the series victory and pushed their record to a season-high 32 games over .500 (81 wins total). Now the teams head to Williamsport, Pennsylvania, for the Little League Classic on Sunday.
KEY TAKEAWAY: Jake Bauers delivered one of the most impressive at-bats of the year, grinding through 12 pitches before launching a go-ahead two-run homer. Combined with Logan Henderson’s sixth straight quality start, the Brewers showcased the patient hitting and steady pitching that’s fueled their winning season.
How It Happened: Step by Step
1. First Inning: Bauers Sets the Tone
- Bauers stepped up against Braves veteran lefty Martín Pérez
- He worked an 11-pitch walk, seeing every pitch Pérez had
- This "teach tape" at-bat forced Pérez to throw lots of pitches early
2. Third Inning: The Marathon At-Bat
- After William Contreras tied the game with a two-out single, Bauers returned
- He fell behind 0-2, then battled back to 2-2
- Fouled off NINE straight pitches — 12-pitch at-bat, 23rd pitch overall vs. Pérez
- On pitch 12: Pérez threw a 92.3 mph fastball down the middle
- Bauers crushed it 413 feet to center field for a 2-run homer (his 23rd of the year)
3. Henderson Steadies the Ship
- Allowed 1 run in the 1st inning (Michael Harris RBI double)
- Then threw 5 straight scoreless innings
- Final line: 6 IP, 5 H, 2 BB, 1 ER
- 4th straight quality start | 18th straight start with ≤3 runs to begin career
- Improved to 8-2 with a 2.60 ERA
4. Bullpen Shuts the Door
| Pitcher | Inning | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Chad Patrick | 7th | 1-2-3 inning |
| DL Hall | 8th | 1-2-3 inning |
| Aaron Ashby | 9th | 2 runners on → flyout + double play → 2nd save |
5. Insurance Run
- Joey Ortiz doubled off Pérez in the 4th
- Cooper Pratt drove him in with a sacrifice fly
- Pérez exited after 4 innings, 60 pitches in his final 2 frames
Standout Performances
Jake Bauers — The Grinder
- 2-for-2 (HR, BB) with 2 RBI, 2 runs
- 23 total pitches seen in first 2 at-bats vs. Pérez
- "Might have been the best at-bat of my life" — Bauers postgame
Logan Henderson — The Reliable Ace
- Didn’t have his best stuff, still gave 6 strong innings
- "Anytime you go six and give up one run, that’s a win" — Henderson
- Pitching coach Chris Hook helped him trust his changeup mid-game
Pat Murphy — The Proud Manager
- "That’s the epitome of dragging him. I think he even shocked himself." — on Bauers’ at-bat
What’s Next?
Little League Classic — Sunday, Aug. 23 @ 6:10 PM ET (ESPN)
| Team | Starter | Record | ERA |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brewers | LHP Shane Drohan | 6-4 | 3.86 |
| Braves | RHP Tyler Mahle | 4-10 | 4.53 |
- Location: Historic Bowman Field, Williamsport, PA
- Radio: AM-620 WTMJ
- Special Sunday night showcase during Little League World Series week
Summary
The Brewers won their 81st game behind disciplined offense and consistent pitching. Jake Bauers authored a legendary at-bat — 12 pitches, 9 foul balls, one towering homer — that flipped the game. Logan Henderson proved why he’s one of baseball’s most reliable young starters, and the bullpen was perfect. Milwaukee heads to the Little League Classic riding high, 32 games over .500, with a chance to sweep the series Sunday.
FAQ
What is a "quality start"?
A quality start means a starting pitcher throws at least 6 innings and allows 3 earned runs or fewer. Henderson has done this in 4 straight outings.
Why was Bauers’ at-bat so special?
Most at-bats last 3-5 pitches. Bauers saw 12 pitches in one at-bat (23 total vs. Pérez), fouling off 9 straight with 2 strikes. That wears down the pitcher and shows incredible focus.
What’s the Little League Classic?
An annual MLB game played at Bowman Field in Williamsport, PA — home of the Little League World Series. It’s a celebration of youth baseball with a big-league game on Sunday night.
How good are the Brewers this year?
81 wins, 32 games over .500 — that’s playoff-caliber baseball. They’re building toward a deep October run.
Who’s pitching for Milwaukee Sunday?
Shane Drohan (6-4, 3.86 ERA), a lefty making his case for a postseason rotation spot. He’ll face Braves righty Tyler Mahle.