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Brewers shut down rookie rotation buzz after Brandon Woodruff injury 1 Sep 19, 2025; St. Louis, Missouri, USA; Milwaukee Brewers manager Pat Murphy (49) looks on prior to a game against the St. Louis Cardinals at Busch Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-Imagn Images

Pat Murphy names Brewers starter, signals drive to close out NLDS

Originally posted on WI Sports Heroics | By Nathan Yasis | Last updated Oct 7, 2025 10:57 AM ET

The Milwaukee Brewers moved within one win of their first NLCS appearance since 2018 after defeating the Chicago Cubs 7-3 in Game 2 of the NLDS on Monday night. Milwaukee powered its way to victory behind two-out, three-run homers from Andrew Vaughn and Jackson Chourio that completely swung the momentum in their favor.

Still, the Brewers will want to avoid repeating their shaky start from Game 2. Aaron Ashby surrendered a three-run homer to Seiya Suzuki in the opening inning, putting Milwaukee in an early hole and forcing them to play catch-up from the start.

Brewers manager Pat Murphy has handed the ball to 25-year-old Quinn Priester for Game 3, tasking him with setting the tone early and closing out the series. According to Hunter Baumgardt of 97.3 The Game, Priester will get the start as the Brewers look to punch their ticket to the NLCS.

Quinn Priester will start Game 3 for Milwaukee on Wednesday.

Pat Murphy said he had no plans to pitch Priester tonight.

— Hunter Baumgardt (@hunterbonair) October 7, 2025

Some fans thought Priester might take the mound in Game 2 to relieve Aaron Ashby after his miserable start. However, the Brewers opted for a bullpen approach instead, leaning on Jacob Misiorowski, who ended up logging the most innings for Milwaukee with three solid frames.

Quinn Priester with the Brewers

Pat Murphy names Brewers starter, signals drive to close out NLDS 2 Sep 26, 2025; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Brewers pitcher Quinn Priester (46) throws during the first inning of their game against the Cincinnati Reds at American Family Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark Hoffman/USA Today Network via Imagn Images

Priester proved to be one of Milwaukee’s most dependable starters in 2025. He took the mound in 24 of his 29 appearances and delivered a 3.32 ERA over 157.1 innings. Advanced metrics such as fielding-independent pitching further back up how effective he was for the Brewers throughout the season.

The 25-year-old impressed in his final two starts against the Cubs in 2025. He shut them down on August 21, surrendering just one run in 4.1 innings, then followed up on July 29 by earning the win after holding Chicago to two earned runs over 5.2 innings.

Pat Murphy names Brewers starter, signals drive to close out NLDS 3 Sep 18, 2025; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Brewers pitcher Quinn Priester (46) delivers a pitch against the Los Angeles Angels in the first inning at American Family Field. Mandatory Credit: Michael McLoone-Imagn Images

The Brewers have no plans to let this chance to close out the series slip away. With Priester on the mound Wednesday, they’ll have their best shot at sealing the deal, particularly since he’s already pitched at Wrigley Field and knows what to expect.

Jose Quintana could also serve as a backup option for the Brewers. He finished the regular season nursing a calf injury but made the NLDS roster, signaling he’s healthy enough to pitch if needed. Whether Milwaukee will have to call on him, though, is still uncertain.

This article first appeared on WI Sports Heroics and was syndicated with permission.

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