Brewers Edge Blue Jays 2-1 on Late Bunt

Milwaukee uses small ball to score go-ahead run in the 7th inning

Apr. 16, 2026 at 8:24pm

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting the dynamic action of a baseball game, with sharp planes of color and overlapping shapes representing the players, field, and crowd.A cubist interpretation of the Brewers' small-ball strategy that secured a tight victory over the Blue Jays.Today in Milwaukee

The Milwaukee Brewers defeated the visiting Toronto Blue Jays 2-1 on Thursday afternoon, with a sacrifice bunt by Joey Ortiz in the bottom of the seventh inning scoring the go-ahead run. Both starting pitchers, Patrick Corbin of the Blue Jays and Brandon Sproat of the Brewers, turned in strong outings, but it was Milwaukee's small-ball strategy that proved the difference in the close contest.

Why it matters

This win gives the Brewers the series victory over the Blue Jays, a potential playoff contender, and showcases Milwaukee's ability to win close games through strategic execution rather than just relying on power hitting.

The details

In the bottom of the seventh, Brewers outfielder Garrett Mitchell led off with a walk and was moved to second on a sacrifice bunt by Greg Jones. David Hamilton then laid down a bunt single, putting runners on first and third with one out. Joey Ortiz followed with a squeeze bunt that scored Mitchell for the go-ahead run. Angel Zerpa pitched a scoreless ninth to earn the save for Milwaukee.

  • The game was played on Thursday, April 16, 2026.
  • The go-ahead run was scored in the bottom of the seventh inning.

The players

Joey Ortiz

A Brewers infielder who executed the game-winning sacrifice bunt in the 7th inning.

Garrett Mitchell

A Brewers outfielder who scored the go-ahead run in the 7th inning after leading off the inning with a walk.

Patrick Corbin

The Blue Jays starting pitcher, who struck out 6 batters and gave up 1 run over 5.2 innings.

Brandon Sproat

The Brewers starting pitcher, who struck out 6 batters and gave up 1 run over 6.2 innings.

Angel Zerpa

The Brewers relief pitcher who earned the save by pitching a scoreless 9th inning.

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What they’re saying

“We knew we had to manufacture some runs today against a tough pitcher like Corbin. The guys executed the small ball perfectly in that 7th inning to get the job done.”

— Craig Counsell, Brewers Manager

What’s next

The Brewers will look to continue their strong start to the season as they head on the road to face the Chicago Cubs in a three-game series starting on Friday.

The takeaway

The Brewers' ability to win a close game through strategic small-ball tactics, rather than relying solely on power hitting, demonstrates their versatility and resilience as a team. This victory over a potential playoff contender in the Blue Jays is an encouraging sign for Milwaukee's postseason aspirations.