Bauers' long road leads Brewers to brink of World Series
Jake Bauers was close to leaving baseball two years ago, but he has become a key contributor for Milwaukee during the NLCS. His go-ahead two-run homer off Blake Snell in the seventh inning helped the Brewers beat the Dodgers 6-2 in Game 3. Milwaukee now leads the series 3-0 and is one win away from the World Series.
Jake Bauers, Milwaukee’s first baseman, was nearly out of baseball two years ago. In Game 3 at Dodger Stadium, his two-run homer against Blake Snell in the seventh turned a 2-1 deficit into a 3-2 lead; Milwaukee won 6-2, took a 3-0 NLCS lead, and moved one win from the World Series.
Earlier in the series, Bauers’ 12-pitch walk against Yoshinobu Yamamoto lasted over seven minutes, loaded the bases, and helped force the Dodgers starter out after 2 2/3 innings. Teammate Garrett Mitchell then homered on the second pitch he saw from Snell.
Bauers’ turnaround may resonate with fans and athletes facing career crossroads, suggesting persistence can matter. Milwaukee’s small-market playoff run could energize local fans and draw casual viewers to baseball. For teammates and young players, his humble leadership may model resilience and professionalism. The impact may remain within sports culture and fan communities rather than broader society.