Steady Brewers savor franchise-record 98th victory as playoffs loom

BALTIMORE (AP) — The Milwaukee Brewers haven’t won more than five in a row all year. It hasn’t stopped them from setting a single-season franchise record for victories.

Milwaukee broke the mark it set last season on Sunday night, smothering the Baltimore Orioles 3-0 to improve to 98-58.

“We haven’t had these streaks of greatness,” manager Pat Murphy said. “We haven’t put it all together.”

Even without rattling off an extended run, the Brewers have the best record in the majors. They’ve already clinched their fourth consecutive NL Central title and will make their eighth postseason appearance in nine years. Twice in that span they've advanced to the NLCS, including last year, but they have not reached the World Series since 1982.

Milwaukee completed its ninth series sweep of the season while receiving help from all over the roster. The Brewers stole four bases, got a stellar diving catch from center fielder Garrett Mitchell in the seventh inning and had seven pitchers combine on a four-hit shutout for the record-setting victory with six games left.

“It means a lot,” said pitcher Jacob Misiorowski (15-5, 1.86 ERA), who gave up a hit and struck out four in three innings in an abbreviated start designed to manage his workload.

“It’s always a big deal to set a new record, a franchise record at that. Hopefully, we get a few more and get to a little bigger number.”

Milwaukee enters the final week of the season two games ahead of the Los Angeles Dodgers for the best record in the NL and needs only one more victory or an Atlanta loss to lock up a bye into the division series.

“It’s hard to be in this spot to begin with, and I don’t think it’s appreciated enough,” Murphy said. “I think people don’t realize how hard it is for any of the 30 teams to put themselves in this position, and that’s what makes me proud of these guys. We’re not the oldest team, we’re not the most experienced, we’re not the most talented. We’re not the most a lot of things, but for sure they’ve proven they’re a team.”

See AP’s full MLB coverage here

Milwaukee Brewers pitcher Jacob Misiorowski (32) delivers a pitch against the Baltimore Orioles in the first inning of a baseball game, Sunday, Sept. 20, 2026, in Baltimore. (AP Photo/Gail Burton)

Milwaukee Brewers pitcher Trevor Megill (29) and Milwaukee Brewers catcher William Contreras, right, celebrate their win against the Baltimore Orioles in a baseball game, Sunday, Sept. 20, 2026 ,in Baltimore. (AP Photo/Gail Burton)

Milwaukee Brewers left fielder Jackson Chourio is safe on a steal as Baltimore Orioles second baseman Jeremiah Jackson (82) tags in the eighth inning of a baseball game, Sunday, Sept. 20, 2026, in Baltimore. (AP Photo/Gail Burton)

Milwaukee Brewers designated hitter Christian Yelich loses his bat as he swings against the Baltimore Orioles in the fourth inning of a baseball game, Sunday, Sept. 20, 2026, in Baltimore. (AP Photo/Gail Burton)

Milwaukee Brewers manager Pat Murphy, left, walks to the dugout after a pitching change against the Baltimore Orioles in the seventh inning of a baseball game on Sunday, Sept. 20, 2026 in Baltimore. (AP Photo/Gail Burton)

LAS VEGAS (AP) — A’ja Wilson scored 30 points to help the Las Vegas Aces beat the Seattle Storm 98-77 on Sunday night.

The four-time WNBA MVP made 16 of 18 free throws and had her 49th career 30-point game, second-most in history (Diana Taurasi, 54).

The Aces (29-13) have won five in a row and have a one-game lead over Atlanta for third place. The top four teams earn home-court advantage in the best-of-three first round of the playoffs.

The Storm (8-35), who have lost 18 of 20, clinched the worst record this season.

Rookie Flau’jae Johnson hit five 3-pointers and scored a season-high 29 points for Seattle and Dominique Malonga scored 25 points on 10-of-13 shooting.

Jackie Young made 10 of 15 from the field and finished with 23 points and eight assists for Las Vegas. Chelsea Gray scored 15 points.

Young scored 12 points in a 21-2 first-quarter run that gave the Aces a 27-12 lead with 1:40 left in the period. Seattle twice cut its deficit to two points in the second quarter, but got no closer.

Las Vegas beat the Storm 114-77 in Seattle on Thursday night.

Storm: Host Dallas on Wednesday night in their season finale.

Aces: Host Los Angeles on Tuesday night.

See AP’s full WNBA coverage here

Seattle Storm center Dominique Malonga (14) drives against Las Vegas Aces forward Brianna Turner (21) during the second half of a WNBA basketball game Sunday, Sept. 20, 2026, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher)

Las Vegas Aces guard Chelsea Gray (12) celebrates after scoring against the Seattle Storm during the second half of a WNBA basketball game Sunday, Sept. 20, 2026, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher)

Seattle Storm center Dominique Malonga (14) and Las Vegas Aces center A'ja Wilson (22) battle for the ball during the second half of a WNBA basketball game Sunday, Sept. 20, 2026, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher)

Las Vegas Aces center A'ja Wilson (22) shoots over Seattle Storm center Dominique Malonga (14) during the first half of a WNBA basketball game Sunday, Sept. 20, 2026, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher)