The Milwaukee Brewers captured their fifth straight win on Tuesday by defeating the San Diego Padres 6-4, and shortstop Joey Ortiz was a key contributor in Milwaukee’s successful evening against the top team in the National League West Division.

In the bottom of the third inning, Ortiz hit a solo home run to left-center field to give the Brewers an early lead. After the game, he talked about the feeling it gave him to have a ball leave the yard for the first time this season.

"Yeah, it felt good," Ortiz told the media. "I mean, all I've been worried about is trying to take good swings, get good pitches ahead, and take good swings on them. The results will take care of itself."

It has not been an easy season for Ortiz so far at the plate. In 32 games (86 at-bats), his batting average is .198. Additionally, his on-base percentage is .260, his slugging percentage is .244 and his .OPS is .505, which are his lowest marks since his rookie season in 2023.

But on Tuesday, the work paid off and Ortiz was celebrated by his teammates in the dugout.

"Yeah, it was great," Ortiz said. "I mean, the fact that we were able to win and we were putting up runs, I think it's definitely something to be excited about. I think everyone pulls for each other. Everyone wants everyone to succeed, and I think we all push each other to be the best players that we can be.

"And yeah, it's definitely good to know you have a team full of guys who want to pull for you and want you to do well," he added.

In the bottom of the fourth inning, Ortiz contributed to the Brewers’ five-run frame with a run-scoring sacrifice fly to center field. Ortiz knew it wouldn’t be a home run, but he was happy with its result.

"I don't think I got that type of power," Ortiz said. "But I was just happy to get a good swing on it and get the job done, get the guys in and over, and that's all that mattered."

The fourth-inning at-bat, however, is something that can be impactful for Ortiz down the line.

"I mean, hit it real hard in the air, and that's what you want to do every at bat," Ortiz said. "And I got a good pitch to hit as well and took a good swing on it. And yeah, like you said, it's something to build off."

After tacking on a single in the bottom of the sixth inning, Ortiz finished the night by going 2-for-3 with two RBIs and a run scored. His performance demonstrated a bounce-back from a rather difficult batting practice session before the game.

"Yeah, it was great," Ortiz said. "I mean, actually, during early BP, I felt like I'd never hit before in my life. So, it was not great."

Then, Ortiz made a choice to study and replicate the approach of his teammate, catcher William Contreras.

"Then, in the cages before the game, actually, I was hitting with or watching William, and I was like, ‘I want to be like William today.' I think it worked out, so I'll do that tomorrow, too," Ortiz said.

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