Emerging
Jun 23, 2026 Major2
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Woodruff Dominates in Return, Brewers Top Reds 2-1 in 10 Innings
Brandon Woodruff took a perfect game into the sixth inning in his return from injury, and Joey Ortiz delivered a sacrifice fly in the 10th to lift the Milwaukee Brewers to a 2-1 victory over the Cincinnati Reds. Trevor Megill earned the win and Joel Kuhnel notched his fifth save.



Quick Facts
Who
Brandon Woodruff
What
Woodruff retired first 16 batters
When
Monday night
Where
Cincinnati
- Woodruff retired first 16 batters
- Ortiz hit sacrifice fly in 10th
- Brewers beat Reds 2-1
- Woodruff returned from injured list
- Kuhnel earned fifth save
Brandon Woodruff made a triumphant return from the injured list, and Joey Ortiz delivered a clutch sacrifice fly in the 10th inning as the first-place Milwaukee Brewers edged the Cincinnati Reds 2-1 on Monday night in Cincinnati.
Woodruff, in his first start since April 30 after being sidelined with right shoulder inflammation, was nearly unhittable. He retired the first 16 batters in order before Tyler Stephenson singled with one out in the sixth inning. Woodruff finished with one hit allowed, no walks, and 10 strikeouts over six innings, throwing 79 pitches (53 strikes). His 10 strikeouts matched his career high for a start and marked the 21st time he has fanned 10 or more batters.
The game remained scoreless until the 10th inning, when the Brewers broke through against Reds reliever Tony Santillan (1-4). Garrett Mitchell walked, and Sal Frelick sacrificed to advance Mitchell and designated runner Jake Bauers into scoring position. Ortiz then lifted a sacrifice fly to bring home Bauers with the game's first run. Mitchell later scored on a wild pitch by Santillan, making it 2-0.
Joel Kuhnel allowed one run in the bottom of the 10th on a groundout but earned his fifth save of the season. Trevor Megill (2-2) picked up the win for Milwaukee.
Cincinnati starter Brady Singer was equally effective, allowing just two hits and two walks while striking out seven over a season-high seven innings. Both starting pitchers allowed only one hit each through six frames, combining for 15 strikeouts.
The Brewers will look to build on the win Tuesday night, sending right-hander Brandon Sproat (1-4, 5.94 ERA) to the mound against Reds left-hander Nick Lodolo (2-2, 6.12).
Topics
Why This Matters
This game signals the Brewers' strengthening rotation just as the pennant race heats up. Woodruff's dominance and Ortiz's clutch hitting provide critical depth for Milwaukee's playoff push. For fantasy owners, Woodruff's performance suggests immediate value, while Singer's continued effectiveness makes him a reliable streaming option.
Timeline & Sources
Jul 12, 2025
WireWoodruff last recorded 10+ strikeouts in a game before this start
Apr 30, 2026
WireWoodruff's previous start before return
May 1, 2026
WireWoodruff placed on injured list with right shoulder inflammation
Jun 23, 2026
WireWoodruff starts for Brewers after injury
Jun 23, 2026
WireGame concludes; Brewers win 2-1 in 10 innings