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Pat Murphy praises Brewers' fight in 5-4 loss coming off division-clinching ceremony 1 Aug 25, 2025; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Brewers manager Pat Murphy looks out from the dug out against the Arizona Diamondbacks in the seventh inning at American Family Field. Mandatory Credit: Michael McLoone-Imagn Images

Pat Murphy praises Brewers’ fight in 5-4 loss coming off division-clinching ceremony

Originally posted on WI Sports Heroics | By John Sbisa | Last updated Sep 23, 2025 1:37 PM ET

At 95-62, the Milwaukee Brewers have clinched the division and a first-round bye as a top two seed in the National League. Monday’s late-night meeting with the Padres followed Milwaukee’s NL Central crown celebration the day before, but the Brewers fought hard though it ended in defeat, 5-4 in 11 innings.

In a prime letdown spot, Pat Murphy’s team showed up motivated and ready to grind. Although the postgame atmosphere was nothing so jubilant as on Sunday, the Brewers’ manager expressed heartfelt admiration for his players’ efforts in the loss.

Murphy gives his guys props keeping motivation high

“I’m proud of our guys for not just showing up and saying, ‘Well, we’ve clinched a bye, we won the division,’ and showing up and playing as hard as they did,” Murphy said via MLB.com’s Adam McCalvy. “That touched me. That was special. Guys were disappointed we didn’t win. I am, too.”

The Brewers led 3-2 through the seventh-inning stretch but were unable to hold the Padres down for a full nine frames, spoiling a history-sealing start from Freddy Peralta. After Milwaukee failed to score in the top of the 11th, Grant Anderson gave up the winning hit to catcher Freddy Fermin, one of San Diego’s numerous deadline additions.

It was a frustrating way to lose. Even with the division wrapped up, the Brewers still very much have stakes to play for: the NL No. 1 seed and homefield advantage throughout the playoffs as owners of MLB’s best record. 92-64, the Phillies currently sit 2.5 games back.

With the Blue Jays leading the American League at 90-66 – and the NL claiming four of MLB’s top five records – odds are that home field in the World Series will fall to a National League team.

Brewers rocked as Yelich’s back flare-up threatens momentum 1 Aug 30, 2025; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Milwaukee Brewers designated hitter Christian Yelich (22) celebrates with team mates in the duout after hitting a solo home run against the Toronto Blue Jays in the ninth inning at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images

Filling in for the injured Brandon Woodruff on Tuesday, the Brewers will entrust Bruce Zimmerman with his first big-league start since September 5, 2022. Signed this summer to a minor-league contract, he has a career 5.57 ERA in 157.1 innings.

After leaving San Diego and a day off Thursday, the Brewers host the Reds in the final series of the regular season. How much margin they have in the race for top seed will depend on how they fare against the Padres over the next two days. Pedal to the medal.

Milwaukee Brewers: Jacob Misiorowski on How He Recovered From Terrible 1st Inning - 'Nothing Crazy, Just Keep Going' 2 May 13, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Milwaukee Brewers manager Pat Murphy (49) walks on the field during a pitching change in the seventh inning against the Cleveland Guardians at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-Imagn Images

This article first appeared on WI Sports Heroics and was syndicated with permission.

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