The Milwaukee Brewers experienced a rollercoaster ride in May, filled with highs and lows. The month began with a streaky stretch of three straight losses, followed by three consecutive wins, and then another three-game skid.
A 2-6 slump followed that, in which the offense was shut out four times before the halfway point in the month. However, the Brewers managed to turn things around in dramatic fashion, closing out the second half of May by winning 11 of their final 13 games, including back-to-back walk-off wins over the Red Sox. In the end, they finished May with a solid 15-13 record.
Leading the charge for Milwaukee throughout the month was first baseman Rhys Hoskins. The 32-year-old veteran recorded just five extra-base hits throughout March/April, but in May he found his power stroke and was the biggest run producer on the team.
Brewers first baseman Rhys Hoskins was the team's MVP during the month of May
In May, Hoskins carried the Brewers' offense with 13 extra-base hits. His seven doubles tied for the team lead, while his six home runs ranked second. Overall, he posted a team-best .531 slugging percentage, solidifying his role as Milwaukee’s most consistent power threat throughout the month.
With the power came run production. Hoskins drove in 22 batters last month, which was six more than the next highest, Christian Yelich. His ability to deliver in key moments was a driving force behind the Brewers' strong finish to May.
A few games that stick out include his multi-home run game in Philadelphia, where he hit a pair of three-run home runs. He also had a four-hit and five-RBI game in Cleveland, which came a day after the Brewers held another closed-door meeting to discuss what needed to be done to turn their season around.
It's clear that Hoskins not only had a hot stretch at the plate last month, but he also emerged as a leader of the ballclub, both on the field and in the clubhouse. Hopefully, he can continue to produce as the weather warms up and wins become even more crucial.