Brewers clinch playoff spot with 1B on the mound

Milwaukee Brewers first baseman Rowdy Tellez pitches against the Miami Marlins during the ninth inning. Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports

Watch: Brewers clinch playoff spot with position player on the mound

By Mike Santa Barbara | Last updated 9/22/23

The Milwaukee Brewers clinched a playoff spot in the most unique way possible on Friday, having first baseman Rowdy Tellez close things out on the mound.

On the mound to clinch a #postseason spot for the @Brewers ... Rowdy Tellez? pic.twitter.com/GWJL6CsvW3
— MLB (@MLB) September 23, 2023

Ahead by a wide margin, leading 16-1, the Brewers handed the ball to Tellez, making his first pitching appearance, for the ninth. Initially, things didn't go swimmingly, as Tellez gave up a lead-off single to outfielder Bryan De La Cruz. However, he regrouped, retiring the next three batters, including a strikeout of OF Jesus Sanchez, which had the Brewers dugout going wild.

First Major League strikeout ✅
0.00 ERA ✅
Clinched a #postseason spot ✅

Rowdy Tellez is living the dream. pic.twitter.com/s2I1YUzYCH
— MLB (@MLB) September 23, 2023

A 12-run second inning by the Brewers made Tellez's magical outing possible. Third baseman Josh Donaldson (3), designated hitter Mark Canha (2), first baseman Carlos Santana (2) and outfielder Christian Yelich (5) all finished with multiple RBI in the win. Meanwhile, Yelich led the way, homering twice for the Brewers.

The Brewers clinch a postseason berth for the fifth time in six seasons, but Friday's might be the most memorable yet.

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