Blue Jays' Hoffman Sets Home Run Record in Ninth as Brewers Win 4-1

Jeff Hoffman, the Toronto Blue Jays closer, struggled in a critical ninth-inning appearance against the Milwaukee Brewers, allowing back-to-back home runs to Jackson Chourio and Christian Yelich, followed by an RBI double from Isaac Collins, leading to a 4-1 Brewers victory. Hoffman's difficulties have been a season-long issue, as he set the Blue Jays franchise record for home runs allowed in the ninth inning or later with 12, and has surrendered a total of 14 home runs over 56.1 innings pitched, resulting in a 5.11 ERA. Despite his struggles, Hoffman has also saved 29 games and struck out 75 batters this season. The Blue Jays bullpen has been problematic since the All-Star break, possessing the second-worst ERA and walks-per-nine rate in the league. Meanwhile, the Brewers' offense continues to chip away effectively, capitalizing on the Blue Jays' bullpen weaknesses to maintain their lead atop the National League. In a separate MLB game, Byron Buxton of the Minnesota Twins hit a career-high 29th home run, and Joe Ryan pitched seven scoreless innings to lead the Twins to a 7-2 victory over the San Diego Padres.