Contreras Brothers Shine in Cardinals’ Win Over Brewers

MILWAUKEE, Wis. — In a thrilling game on June 14, the St. Louis Cardinals defeated the Milwaukee Brewers 8-5 at American Family Field, ending their six-game losing streak. A home run by Nolan Gorman in the fifth inning solidified the win.

The game’s tension escalated when Cardinals first baseman Willson Contreras collided with Brewers player Caleb Durbin at first base, leading to heated exchanges between both teams. Contreras remarked, “One of their players, he liked to talk from far away, but then when he got in my face, didn’t say (s—).” His comments hinted at Brewers first baseman Rhys Hoskins, who had been vocal during the play.

Contreras himself was hit by a pitch from Brewers starter José Quintana later in the game. Emphasizing camaraderie, Quintana said he did not intend to hit Contreras, as they are former teammates from their time with the Chicago Cubs.

Despite the hits, both teams denied any intentions of retaliation. “I don’t think anybody today was getting hit on purpose,” said Brewers manager Pat Murphy. “That’s the health of the game.” This statement underscored the spirit of competition despite the game’s intensity.

The Cardinals quickly built a lead thanks to Gorman’s three-run home run, which increased their advantage to 7-1 in the fifth inning. Milwaukee responded, scoring three runs in the bottom of the fifth, with key hits from Sal Frelick and Jackson Chourio.

In the ninth inning, Willson Contreras hit a solo home run, bringing the game to 8-4. Remarkably, his brother, William Contreras, answered back with his own home run for the Brewers, marking the first time siblings on opposing teams homered in the same inning in Major League Baseball’s expansion era.

“That’s how he plays the game,” William said, referencing his brother’s competitive nature. “Maybe there will be a point in time where he plays it a little bit differently, but that’s how he plays the game.”

Although the Brewers loaded the bases in the eighth, they couldn’t capitalize as Phil Maton struck out both Frelick and Chourio. Rhys Hoskins expressed disappointment, saying, “Felt like we had plenty of chances to win that game.” The Cardinals look to maintain momentum as they face the Brewers again.