Jesus Aguilar Hits Pair of Homers in Brewers’ 2-1 Win Over Cardinals

The Milwaukee Brewers had a lot of options in terms of first basemen in Spring Training, including Eric Thames and Ryan Braun, plus Jesus Aguilar. Aguilar had played some first base in his first year with the Brewers in 2017, and had been a very valuable pinch hitter and designated hitter when the club played interleague games in American League ballparks. He hit .265 with 16 homers and 52 RBIs in 279 at bats last season, but his status was uncertain going into this season. In the end, Milwaukee kept him on the roster.

That proved to be an excellent move. In the Brewers game against the St. Louis Cardinals at Miller Park on June 22nd, Aguilar broke up a no hit performance by Cardinals pitcher Jack Flaherty with a solo home run in the seventh inning. Then with the score tied at 1-1 in the bottom of the ninth, he hit another solo home run to win it.

It was the latest example of some clutch hitting by the 27 year old Venezuelan. For the season, Aguilar is hitting .305 with 16 homers and 49 RBIs. He’s tied for third in homers in the National League, and is tied for sixth in RBIs. At the close of play on June 22nd, Milwaukee was 45-30 with a to game lead over the Chicago Cubs in the National League Central.