How the Cincinnati Reds Ended the Milwaukee Brewers’ Historic 14-Game Win Streak

Estimated reading time: 3 minutes

Key Takeaways

  • Despite overcoming a series of challenging moments, the Cincinnati Reds secured a dramatic walk-off victory over the Milwaukee Brewers, ending their franchise-record 14-game winning streak.
  • The game featured pivotal moments, including a late homer by William Contreras and a crucial error that allowed the Reds to rally in the 10th inning.
  • This victory extended Cincinnati’s streak of not being swept this season to 41 consecutive series and demonstrated their resilience against top teams.
  • Key players such as Austin Hays, Will Benson, and Spencer Steer played significant roles in the Reds’ comeback and win.
  • The Brewers face upcoming tough matchups, while the Reds gain vital momentum in their playoff pursuit.

Table of Contents

The Game That Changed Momentum

Impact and Implications

What’s Next?

FAQ

Sources

The Game That Changed Momentum

The game at Great American Ball Park was a nail-biter that showcased both teams’ resilience. Milwaukee had recently overcome a seven-run deficit in the series opener and even secured a 14-inning win the day before, signaling the formidable challenge the Reds faced. In the ninth inning of the finale, Brewers’ catcher William Contreras hit a two-run homer that put Milwaukee ahead 2-1, threatening to extend their streak.

However, the Reds rallied back quickly. A crucial error by Brewers’ shortstop Joey Ortiz allowed Reds’ Will Benson to reach base and later score, tying the game[1][3][0]. The tension reached a peak in the 10th inning: Spencer Steer’s sacrifice bunt moved designated runner TJ Friedl to third base. The Brewers intentionally walked two batters to load the bases for Austin Hays, who then delivered the game-winning single down the third-base line—his second career walk-off hit—securing the Reds’ historic win[3][4].

Impact and Implications

This victory not only broke Milwaukee’s momentum but also extended Cincinnati’s impressive streak of not being swept this season to 41 consecutive series. The Brewers had been one of the most dominant teams in the league, winning 29 of their last 34 games before this loss and facing a heavy bullpen workload in the series. The Reds’ ability to capitalize in critical moments highlighted their grit and potential as they fight to close the playoff gap in the National League Central Division[1][3].

What’s Next?

The Brewers will look to regroup quickly as they head into a challenging five-game stretch against the Chicago Cubs. Meanwhile, the Reds gain a morale boost and key momentum, proving they can compete against top-tier teams in clutch situations. This game serves as a reminder of the unpredictable excitement of baseball and the thin margins that define winning streaks and postseason aspirations.

For fans and analysts alike, the Reds’ comeback and walk-off win over the Brewers stands as one of the most thrilling and significant moments of the 2025 MLB season so far.

FAQ

Who was the hero of the game?

Austin Hays was the clutch hitter who ended the Brewers’ streak with a walk-off single.

Who kept the Brewers ahead late in the game?

William Contreras was Milwaukee’s power hitter who kept the Brewers ahead late in the game.

Which players contributed to the Reds’ rally?

Will Benson and Spencer Steer played significant roles in the Reds’ comeback and rally sparkers.

Sources