Prior to last night’s loss at the hands of the Minnesota Twins, there was no actual evidence that Milwaukee Brewers closer Devin Williams was actually human. Prior to the shellacking laid on by the Twins offense in the ninth inning, Williams had an ERA of just 0.42 thanks to one earned allowed in over 21 innings.
Unfortunately, all good things must come to an end. As Williams took the mound against the nine-hole hitter followed by the top of the Twins’ order, things quickly unraveled. After surrendering a home run to Michael A. Taylor (only the second Williams had surrendered all year), he walked the next batter, who was pinch ran for and promptly scored on a single by the next batter.
Just like that, the ballgame is tied. Then, of course, Carlos Correa came up and hit his first-ever walk-off home run to send Twins fans home happy and Brewers fans wondering what in the world went wrong. While Correa experienced a career-first, Williams did the same on the mound: this was the first time he had ever surrendered two home runs in one game.
Devin Williams comments on first blown save of the year
Williams himself spoke to the media after the game (including Brian Hall of MLB.com), pointing out how the blown save could not have come at a worse time for him.
“We’re grinding. Handed me a two-run lead in the ninth, that’s the way you draw it up. It was my first blown save this year, and it couldn’t have come at a worse time, to be honest with you. So I don’t think there’s anyone that could be more disappointed than myself after tonight. Just didn’t have my stuff today, you know? As much as you strive for it, you’re never going to be perfect. So, you know, it’s one of those days.”
While it’s easy to be hard on yourself after a tough loss like this, it’s important for both Williams and Brewers fans to realize that he is still one of the very best relief pitchers in the game. Josh Hader proved last year that there are ebbs and flows to these things, and no player can be perfect 100 percent of the time.
In 22 appearances, the 28-year-old now has an ERA of 2.08 with an ERA+ of 210. His first blown save of the year will not be enough to keep him out of the 2023 All-Star Game, as he appears ticketed to be the lone Brewers representative in the game, unless Christian Yelich or Corbin Burnes squeak in themselves.
Speaking of Yelich and Burnes, these two stole the show before the late-game comeback the Twins mounted. For Yelich, he went 3-for-5 with a double, a home run, two runs scored and four RBI. He has been on an absolute tear lately and while he may not be at his MVP-caliber level, he has been much improved all year long.
For Burnes, the right-hander once again looked locked in on the mound. He went six strong innings while allowing three runs and striking out eight batters.
Yelich came to Williams’ defense following the game, telling reporters that it happens and that he acknowledges that Williams is (almost) always on the other side of outcomes like this.
“It happens. It happens to everyone. [Williams has] been a huge reason why we’ve won a ton of games. Unfortunate tonight, but it’s just one of those things. When you’re in kind of a tough stretch, that’s just how it goes sometimes.”
Follow me on Twitter at @ETreuden and follow us @WiSportsHeroics for more great content. To read more of our articles and keep up to date on the latest in Wisconsin sports, click here! Also, check out our merch store for some amazing WSH merchandise!
