The Milwaukee Brewers enter Sunday’s series finale against the Tampa Bay Rays with a 19-20 record, hovering just below .500 and eager to flip the momentum back in their favor after a crushing 3-2 walk-off loss on Saturday. The Brewers took the series opener with a blend of timely hitting and solid pitching, but they’ve struggled all season to maintain offensive consistency, often relying on scattered contributions rather than sustained rallies. Sunday provides an opportunity for the team to reset and refocus, particularly with right-hander Chad Patrick taking the mound. Patrick has been a bright spot in an otherwise injury-depleted rotation, posting a 2-3 record with a 3.08 ERA and demonstrating an impressive ability to work through lineups with efficiency and command. With Brandon Woodruff and Garrett Mitchell still sidelined, Patrick’s ability to deliver a quality start is crucial if the Brewers are to secure the series win. Milwaukee’s offense will need to step up in support, and that begins with the emerging duo of Brice Turang and Jackson Chourio, who have combined for 12 home runs and injected much-needed energy into the lineup. Turang has developed into a reliable top-of-the-order presence, while Chourio’s combination of raw power and bat speed gives the Brewers a dangerous right-handed threat. However, Milwaukee continues to struggle with runners in scoring position, and their inability to cash in on opportunities was on full display in Game 2.

Veteran bats such as Willy Adames and Rhys Hoskins will need to do more in terms of situational hitting and driving in runs, especially against a Tampa Bay pitching staff that doesn’t give many free passes. On defense, the Brewers remain solid, ranking among the top half of the league in fielding percentage and routinely flashing above-average range in the infield. Their bullpen, a usual strength, has been somewhat uneven in recent outings, and manager Pat Murphy may be more aggressive with bullpen matchups on Sunday to avoid another late-game collapse. Milwaukee’s ability to limit damage, avoid free passes, and manufacture runs will be critical as they face Drew Rasmussen, who has quietly put together a solid campaign despite the team’s record. The Brewers are just 16-21 against the spread, which reflects how often they’ve played in close, grind-it-out games where offensive production is at a premium. Sunday’s rubber match isn’t just about winning the series—it’s about restoring rhythm in a season that’s seen the club ping-pong between promise and missed potential. If Milwaukee can back Patrick with a few early runs and maintain defensive sharpness, they’ll give themselves a strong chance to walk away from Tampa with a winning road trip and much-needed confidence heading back into divisional play. For a team trying to stay afloat while navigating injuries and offensive inconsistency, every game carries added weight, and Sunday’s contest could serve as a launching point for a sustained push toward the top of the NL Central.