In a standout performance on a scorching Saturday afternoon, José Quintana delivered six solid innings, leading the Milwaukee Brewers to a commanding 9-0 victory over the Minnesota Twins at Target Field on June 21. This marks Quintana’s first quality start since April 22, where he effectively managed to allow just three hits and walk four batters, all occurring in the initial three innings.
Quintana, who showcased a different pitching style compared to Jacob Misiorowski’s overpowering fastball, emphasized adjusting his approach by varying speeds. He expressed confidence in his breaking ball and noted how early run support from the Brewers’ offense significantly boosted his performance on the mound. “That run support was amazing early, and it gave me the chance to feel more confidence,” Quintana stated.
Manager Pat Murphy praised Quintana for his resilience, acknowledging the crucial role of catcher William Contreras in guiding him through a challenging start. Despite the challenge of pitching in 90-degree weather, Quintana settled in and found his rhythm in the latter part of the game, finishing with a season-low of one strikeout but maintaining control through the final innings.
The Brewers’ offense was also electrifying, with a total of 11 hits, including contributions from Sal Frelick, Christian Yelich, Brice Turang, Isaac Collins, and Joey Ortiz, with Collins leading with three RBIs. Notably, Milwaukee managed to score 26 runs over the first two games in the series without hitting a single home run, demonstrating a strong offensive strategy focused on placing pressure on the opposing team.
Quintana’s victory was significant, marking his first win since April 27, which also brought his ERA down to an impressive 2.98. With this win, the Brewers improved their record to 42-35, reaching their best standing of the season, seven games over .500.
In addition to the strong pitching and hitting, Caleb Durbin’s aggressive base running played a pivotal role, illustrating the importance of speed and decision-making in competitive games. Durbin’s head-first slide into second base, which kept the bases loaded, was highlighted by Murphy as a game-changing moment that altered the momentum in favor of the Brewers.
As the Brewers aim to continue this successful streak with an upcoming matchup against the Twins, fans are excited to see if they can maintain their offensive prowess and solid pitching, fostering hope for a promising season ahead.