Christian Yelich goes yard twice, Brewers hand Phillies rare back-to-back losses

For the first time in over a month, the Phillies have lost back-to-back games, and it was Christian Yelich and the red-hot Brewers who did the damage Friday night.

Yelich torched the Phillies with two home runs and four RBIs as Milwaukee rolled to a 6-2 win at Citizens Bank Park. The Brewers have now won five straight, while the Phillies’ offense was mostly silent, limited to just four hits on the night.

Ladies and gentlemen, HE'S ON FIRE ❕❕❕ https://t.co/XM8qqZIqBy pic.twitter.com/6RZtHaWXO7

— Milwaukee Brewers (@Brewers) May 31, 2025

The turning point came in the fifth inning. After Phillies reliever Tanner Banks entered with the game still close, Yelich jumped on the very first pitch and launched a three-run bomb into the seats. It was Yelich’s first homer off a lefty this season, and it opened up what had been a tight game.

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He wasn’t done. Yelich added a towering solo shot in the ninth off Carlos Hernandez, giving him 12 homers on the season and his 12th career multi-homer game.

The Phillies’ offense never found its rhythm.

Nick Castellanos stayed hot with a solo homer, and Kyle Schwarber extended his incredible on-base streak to 55 of 57 games this season, adding a pair of doubles and an RBI. But that was about it.

Very good job Kyle! pic.twitter.com/tuBA1DSka6

— Philadelphia Phillies (@Phillies) May 30, 2025

CASTY. RING IT.#RingTheBell | #Phillies pic.twitter.com/QgBBnjuB7y

— The Liberty Line (@LibertyLinePHL) May 31, 2025

Taijuan Walker, likely making his final start before heading back to the bullpen, allowed four runs in four innings. Manager Rob Thomson had already indicated this would be Walker’s last start in the rotation, and Friday’s outing didn’t change that thinking.

My thoughts on Taijuan Walker:

Taijuan Walker is holding this team hostage. Mick Abel should be starting tonight.

— Drew Smith (@drewmsmith) May 31, 2025

Milwaukee used an opener to great effect. D.L. Hall tossed three no-hit innings, while Quinn Priester followed with six innings of two-run ball, scattering four hits to pick up the win.

The key moment came in the bottom of the fourth when Priester escaped a jam with the tying run in scoring position and no outs. He induced three straight groundouts to keep the Brewers in front, setting the stage for Yelich’s three-run blast the next inning.

Milwaukee also kept the pressure on with five stolen bases, keeping the Phillies’ defense on its heels all night.

Next up, the Phillies will look to stop the bleeding behind Jesus Luzardo, who’s been dominant with a 5-0 record and 2.15 ERA. The Brewers will counter with Chad Patrick, who brings a 2.97 ERA into Saturday’s matchup.

I don’t like the updates we’re getting on Bryce Harper’s elbow right now – not one bit

Tough night for the Phils, but with Luzardo on the bump, Saturday sets up as a prime bounce-back opportunity. First pitch coming up — time to get back on track.

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