The Milwaukee Brewers are taking an aggressive mental approach into Game 1 of the NLDS. Just hours before the series opener against the Chicago Cubs, manager Pat Murphy gave a message to ace Freddy Peralta that immediately set the tone for the postseason, act like the “closer.”

The mindset was more psychological than literal. It was a way to prompt Peralta to attack from the first pitch with urgency, consistency, and command. It aligns with Murphy’s motivating, player-first style and reflects a modern playoff philosophy—where every inning matters.

MLB's Adam McCalvy posted on X (formerly known as Twitter) after hearing the Brewers manager describe the moment between him and his Game 1 starter.

“We just kind of messed with each other, and I said, Freddy you're our closer today,” Mu

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