Bryce Elder and Mike Foltenewicz: The Unseen Connection

The Milwaukee Brewers’ bullpen delivered a dominant eighth inning on June 20, 2026, when closer William Contreras closed out an 8–0 rout of the Minnesota Twins, extending the Brewers’ lead in the National League Central by a half-game. Contreras, who entered the game with a 2.13 ERA over 35 appearances, struck out four Twins over two scoreless innings, including a crucial ninth-inning appearance that preserved the shutout. The Brewers’ bullpen has allowed just 1.8 runs per game in June, the best mark in MLB, while Contreras has become the anchor of a unit that has posted a 0.92 ERA in 2026.

The inning began with a two-run double by Corbin Burnes, but it was Contreras’ performance that sealed the victory. “He’s been elite all year,” said Brewers manager Craig Counsell, who praised Contreras’ ability to “lock down the late innings when it matters.” The Twins, meanwhile, have struggled against left-handed relievers this season, posting a .223 batting average against them—a trend Contreras capitalized on with three strikeouts in his final appearance.

The Brewers now sit at 48–32, a half-game ahead of the St. Louis Cardinals, who lost to the Pittsburgh Pirates the same day. The Cardinals’ 47–33 record keeps them in second place, but the Brewers’ recent form has tightened the race. Over their last 10 games, Milwaukee has won seven, including a sweep of the Twins in their three-game series. The Cardinals, by contrast, have dropped two of their last four, including a loss to the Pirates that dropped them to .500 in the division.

Contreras’ performance also underscored a broader trend in the Brewers’ season: their bullpen has become one of the most reliable in baseball. Entering the game, the Brewers’ relievers had allowed just 1.8 runs per game in June, the best mark in MLB. Contreras, in particular, has been a standout, posting a 2.13 ERA and 1.09 WHIP in 35 appearances. His ability to induce ground balls (62% of his batted balls this season) has made him a key piece of the Brewers’ late-inning strategy.

The Twins, meanwhile, have struggled to score runs in close games. They entered Thursday’s game with a .223 batting average against left-handed relievers, the worst mark in MLB. Contreras, who has induced 12 ground balls in his last 10 appearances, took full advantage, striking out four Twins and allowing just one baserunner in his final two innings.

Looking ahead, the Brewers will look to maintain their momentum as they turn their attention to a three-game series against the Chicago Cubs starting June 23. The Cubs, currently in third place in the NL Central at 42–38, will be a tough out, but the Brewers’ bullpen will be a key factor. If Contreras and his teammates can continue their strong play, Milwaukee could extend its lead in the division race.

For the Twins, the loss drops them to 30–48, keeping them in last place in the AL Central. Their struggles against left-handed pitchers have been a recurring issue this season, and their inability to score runs in close games has cost them multiple opportunities to climb the standings. With the Brewers pulling away in the NL Central, the Twins’ focus will shift to improving their offense and pitching matchups in the second half.

As the Brewers continue their push for a playoff spot, Contreras’ performance on June 20 serves as a reminder of how a dominant bullpen can turn the tide in a close division race. With the Cardinals still in contention, every game will matter, and the Brewers’ ability to close out games like they did against the Twins will be crucial in their quest for a postseason berth.