The Brewers' decision to keep Logan Henderson, despite trade rumors, proved to be a strategic masterstroke. Henderson, a 24-year-old Texan, dominated the Dodgers in a career-high performance, outpitching Tarik Skubal in a 6-2 victory at Dodger Stadium. This win not only secured the Brewers' narrative but also the four-game series, 3-1, and most importantly, the season series, 4-3. The Brewers' triumph is significant as they and the Dodgers are vying for one of the National League's top two seeds, which offer a first-round bye in the postseason. In the event of a tie, head-to-head record becomes the tiebreaker, making this series outcome even more crucial. Jake Bauers led the offensive charge with a career-high-tying four hits and two RBIs, while lefty reliever Aaron Ashby sealed the deal in the eighth inning, inducing a double play from Shohei Ohtani. The Brewers' 77-48 record, the best in the Majors, was a much-needed boost after a sweep in San Diego, where Henderson also made a notable start, pitching into the seventh inning for the first time in his Major League career. However, the Brewers' bullpen, already carrying a heavy workload, was tested again, with Henderson's pitch count reaching 69. Despite the challenges, Henderson's performance against the Dodgers was a testament to his resilience and talent. With one of the best pitching lines of his career, Henderson's seven innings, three hits, one earned run, one walk, and six strikeouts on 93 pitches showcase his growing prowess. His ability to consistently limit runs to three or fewer in his first 17 career starts is remarkable, drawing comparisons to Zac Gallen's impressive streak. Brewers manager Pat Murphy expressed his appreciation for Henderson's performance, stating, 'I didn't want to lose Logan, I don't care who it's for. As long as he stays healthy, he's going to pitch for a long time.' This victory not only highlights Henderson's talent but also the Brewers' strategic decision-making, setting the stage for a promising postseason run.
