Jun 22, 2018; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Milwaukee Brewers first baseman Jesus Aguilar (24) celebrates after hitting a walk off home run during the ninth inning against the St. Louis Cardinals at Miller Park. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

Jesus Aguilar entered the season as the Milwaukee Brewers’ backup first baseman, essentially platooning with Eric Thames. But Thames suffered a torn UCL in his left thumb, which opened up more playing time for Aguilar. The 27-year-old (28 on June 30) has taken advantage of the opportunity, and then some.

Aguilar has 16 homers and a .305/.366/.609 slash line (his .975 OPS ranks seventh in MLB of hitters with at least 200 plate appearances). And two homers Aguilar hit on Friday night were particularly important for the Brewers.

St. Louis Cardinals rookie Jack Flaherty had a no-hitter going with one out in the seventh inning, when Aguilar cranked a homer to break up the no-no, *and* tie the game 1-1. Being able to pull this breaking ball for a dinger shows how strong Aguilar is:

The score remained 1-1 in the bottom of the ninth, and Aguilar changed that with a walk-off opposite field homer against Bud Norris:

Aguilar’s heroics give the Brewers a two-game lead over the Chicago Cubs in the NL Central, and put the Cardinals a distant 6.5 games back.

About Matt Clapp

Matt is an editor at The Comeback. He attended Colorado State University, wishes he was Saved by the Bell's Zack Morris, and idolizes Larry David. And loves pizza and dogs because obviously.

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