The Pulse Newsletter highlights a surprising hot streak and a slate of weekend stories across sports.
Brewers surge to the top of the pile
Milwaukee has become baseball’s surprise story of the season, riding a 13-game winning streak that has pushed them six games clear of the next-best club. The Brewers’ wins have come from a mix of depth, timely hitting, and a defense that ranked first in fielding value entering the weekend. Even with offseason departures—Willy Adames in free agency and closer Devin Williams traded away—the team has found unexpected production.
Two 28-year-old rookie-ish hitters, Isaac Collins and Caleb Durbin, have combined for nearly five WAR, illustrating Milwaukee’s ability to mine value from its farm system and opportunistic signings. Andrew Vaughn, who had been a surprise washout in Chicago, has reinvented himself as a productive contributor since arriving in Milwaukee on June 13, delivering a season-saving spark at the plate.
On the pitching side, young right-hander Jacob Misiorowski has shown flashes of brilliance when healthy, while soon-to-be 27-year-old Chad Patrick has been among the NL’s most valuable rookie pitchers by WAR—though he’s currently not in the majors. Veteran Trevor Megill has stepped into important high-leverage roles, supported by a defensive unit that has been among the league’s best at preventing runs.
For Brewers fans, the run has been a roller-coaster in the best possible way—delivering wins from “couch cushions” and even hitting the public with perks like free burgers for fans. The rest of the NL Central isn’t catching up quickly, and those in Chicago likely aren’t enjoying it as much.
A few other trends worth watching
The rest of the league offers a more unsettled picture. The Dodgers could still lose the NL West, even if it’s not expected to happen, as the Padres close in and rely on a balanced attack. Dodgers pitching health remains a concern, and Mookie Betts appears to be entering a tougher stretch. The Padres, meanwhile, are doing many things well.
In the American League, the Tigers’ grip on the Central isn’t as firm as it was: their lead has shrunk as the season wears on, while the Guardians loom as a late-season threat similar to last year’s Tigers squad that surged into the playoffs. The Yankees have moved from a locked-in AL East favorite to a Wild Card contender, while the Blue Jays appear set to win the division going away. Over the past month, the Yankees’ deadline acquisitions have struggled, ranking among the lower performers in ERA and FIP.
News to know
Michigan football receives sanctions from the NCAA after an investigation into sign-stealing schemes run by a former staffer. The penalties include unprecedented fines and a one-game suspension for coach Sherrone Moore, but no postseason ban for the program. The NCAA said the sanctions aim to avoid punishing student-athletes for actions not connected to current staff, though observers note reputational concerns will linger.
In Europe, a Premier League opener between Liverpool and Bournemouth was halted briefly after Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo faced racist abuse from the stands. Semenyo recovered to score twice, and Liverpool prevailed.
Other quick updates
– Orioles pitcher Brandon Young carried a perfect game into the eighth inning before an infield hit dashed the bid.
– In Cincinnati, the men’s singles semifinal field at the Open featured Terence Atmane in a stunning run, with the 23-year-old attracting attention ahead of a match with Jannik Sinner.
– On the women’s side, American Coco Gauff was eliminated in the quarterfinals after a rough stretch of serving.
– Lionel Messi is set to return for Inter Miami after a two-week injury layoff, a welcome development for MLS fans.
– The NFL will continue to feature social justice slogans in end zones this season.
Watch guide
– EPL: Wolves vs. Manchester City, 12:30 p.m. ET on NBC
– NFL: Browns at Eagles, 1 p.m. ET on NFL Network
– MLB: Yankees at Cardinals, 7:15 p.m. ET on Fox
Note: The game slate underscores how soccer is now a year-round presence for many athletes and fans.
Pulse Picks: weekend reads from The Athletic
The investigative team wrapped up a week-long series on the rising scope of stalking in sports. It’s worth a look if you missed the installments. Also, a few colleagues shared personal favorites for weekend activities:
– A writer’s pivot to cycling with an upcoming Tour event
– A lighthearted take on kid-friendly nature content
– A film enthusiast’s anticipation for a Spike Lee project and a long-gestating collaboration
– A reminder that even a favorite old action franchise can shine on a rerun
If you missed yesterday’s most-clicked and most-read items, they include Michael Phelps’ sharp remarks about USA Swimming and a compelling catfishing story.
Bottom line
The Brewers’ current form is the standout story of the season so far, but the rest of the sports world remains dynamic with tight pennant races, playoff pushes, and major events on the horizon. Look for Milwaukee to keep leveraging its depth and defense as it seeks to sustain this historic stretch, while the rest of the league jockeys for postseason positioning.
Summary
– Brewers have a 13-game win streak and a comfortable lead in the NL.
– Young players and efficient defense are key to their success.
– Other teams face varying fortunes, with several divisions still unsettled.
– NCAA sanctions hit Michigan; racism incidents continue to challenge European soccer.
– Weekend TV guide and a pulse of stories from The Athletic offer broader sports context.
Positive note
Fans can look forward to continued competition and compelling baseball as Milwaukee’s depth and resilience give them a legitimate shot at sustaining this historic run.