Brewers Walk-Off Win
Brandon Woodruff Dominates in Return as Brewers Secure 2-1 Extra-Inning Victory Over Reds
Brandon Woodruff took a perfect game into the sixth inning in his first start since April 30, and Joey Ortiz's sacrifice fly in the 10th inning gave the Milwaukee Brewers a 2-1 win over the Cincinnati Reds on Monday, according to AP News. The victory pushes first-place Milwaukee to 46-29, a five-game lead over the second-place Cardinals in the NL Central.
Woodruff had missed seven weeks with right shoulder inflammation. His return silenced doubts about his health. He threw 79 pitches, struck out 10, and did not walk a single batter through six innings, per AP News.
Woodruff Dominates in Long-Awaited Return from IL
Woodruff retired the first 16 Reds batters he faced. That means no hits, no walks, and no errors through five-plus innings — a perfect game bid. Catcher Tyler Stephenson broke it up with a single in the sixth inning, according to AP News. Woodruff finished that inning and was pulled after 79 pitches, 53 of which were strikes — a 67% strike rate.
Woodruff had missed all of the 2024 season after shoulder surgery. He came back in 2025 but hit another snag when his velocity dropped in late April 2026, landing him on the injured list again. Monday's 10-strikeout performance was his 21st career game with 10 or more strikeouts, per AP News.
Brewers Score Twice in 10th After Nine Scoreless Innings
Neither team scored through nine innings — the first time that happened at Great American Ball Park in five years, according to Sports Illustrated. In the top of the 10th, Joey Ortiz hit a sacrifice fly to right field, scoring automatic runner Jake Bauers. Garrett Mitchell then scored on a wild pitch by Tony Santillan, giving Milwaukee a 2-0 lead.
The Reds answered in the bottom of the 10th. Sal Stewart hit a groundout that scored one run. But Brewers reliever Joel Kuhnel got the final out to close the game. Trevor Megill picked up the win, his second of the season, per AP News.
Singer Shines Too, but Reds Offense Goes Quiet
Reds starter Brady Singer matched Woodruff for most of the night. Singer threw 7.0 innings, gave up only two hits, and struck out seven batters. Cincinnati media called it a "complete disaster for the Reds' offense," noting the team could not reach base until the sixth inning, per Sports Illustrated.
The Reds fell to 37-40 on the season and remain in the NL Central cellar. Cincinnati has gone 2-14 in divisional play this season as of June 22, according to Sports Illustrated. Singer left with a no-decision despite one of his best starts of the year.
Brewers' Rotation Gets a Veteran Anchor Back
Milwaukee has leaned on young arms all season. Pitchers like Shane Drohan and Jacob Misiorowski have carried heavy loads. Woodruff's return gives the team a proven veteran at the top of the rotation heading into the summer stretch, according to The New Enterprise.
Milwaukee won their trade gambles. Ortiz came to the Brewers in the Corbin Burnes deal. The team has now won three straight NL Central titles — 2023, 2024, and 2025. Manager Pat Murphy has kept the club rolling despite a wave of injuries to key pitchers, per The New Enterprise.
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