Blake Perkins delivered a key hit in the Brewers' 4-3 win over the Yankees on Mother's Day, his first without his late mother. Perkins, who lost his mother to colon cancer last July, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to play and honor her memory.
Key points
Blake Perkins hit a two-run single in the fourth inning.
The Brewers won 4-3 against the Yankees.
Perkins lost his mother to colon cancer last July.
He expressed joy and gratitude for playing on Mother's Day.
Brandon Lockridge's injury allowed Perkins to start.
Blake PerkinsBrandon LockridgeMilwaukee BrewersNew York Yankees
But the outfielder believes things happen for a reason and after finding himself starting in right field Sunday, he delivered the game's biggest hit up to Brice Turang's walk-off home run with a two-out, two-run single in the fourth inning of the Milwaukee Brewers' eventual 4-3 victory over the New York Yankees.
The moment meant the world to Perkins, who lost his mother, Carisa Sharrett, to colon cancer last July 3.
"Just grateful I got to play today," said Perkins. "Obviously to come through in that spot is great. But yeah, it's been a lot of emotions for me today – mostly joy and just getting to play for my mom. I have so many friends and family members back home who are supporting me.
"It's joy."
So much is made of Mother's Day every season by Major League Baseball, with players swinging pink bats and sporting pink accountrements of every kind, that it wouldn't have been surprising to hear Perkins say he had a difficult time focusing on the task at hand considering what he went through last year.
But he emphasized that wasn't the case.
Q&A
What significant event occurred for Blake Perkins on Mother's Day?
Blake Perkins delivered a crucial two-run single in the Brewers' victory over the Yankees on Mother's Day.
How did Blake Perkins honor his late mother during the game?
Perkins honored his mother by playing in the game and expressing gratitude for the opportunity to perform well in her memory.
What was the outcome of the Brewers vs. Yankees game on Mother's Day?
The Milwaukee Brewers won the game against the New York Yankees with a final score of 4-3.
Who did Blake Perkins replace in the lineup for the Mother's Day game?
Blake Perkins replaced Brandon Lockridge, who was injured and placed on the injured list prior to the game.
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Milwaukee Brewers right fielder Blake Perkins hits a two-run single during the fourth inning of their game against the New York Yankees Sunday, May 10, 2026 at American Family Field in Milwaukee.
Milwaukee Brewers right fielder Blake Perkins hits a two-run single during the fourth inning of their game against the New York Yankees Sunday, May 10, 2026 at American Family Field in Milwaukee.
"Once I got out there and the game started it was all good," he said. "I'd say the pre-game stuff, just getting ready – I'm not saying it was bad emotion, but it's the first time, the first year I've celebrated this holiday without her.
"So, it was good. I felt her here with me and obviously I've got all the guys here who have got my back. It was a good day. A good Brewers win."
Two batters later Garrett Mitchell made it 2-1 with a sacrifice fly to bring up Perkins, who on the third pitch he saw lined a two-run single to center that gave the Brewers their first lead.
Perkins did have a shaky moment a couple innings after that when he missed the cutoff man Turang with his throw from the right-field corner as Cody Bellinger scored the tying run on a Jazz Chisholm double, and he then was pulled in favor of pinch-hitter Sal Frelick in the bottom half of the inning.
Nevertheless, to deliver the big hit that he did was certainly a big moment for the 29-year-old, who's now twice been the beneficiary of injuries – Perkins unexpectedly made the opening-day roster when Jackson Chourio landed on the IL with a broken hand – and otherwise struggled with his lessened role (.122 average, seven runs batted in over 21 games).
Perkins had just been demoted to Nashville in the wake of Chourio being reinstated from the IL when Lockridge was felled.
"He's a smart kid, and he was just disappointed in the beginning, that he didn't return as the starting center fielder," manager Pat Murphy said. "He had a lot going on last season, and sometimes we retreat in a way that isn't in our best interest, and I think that's what happened.
"He wasn't getting results and it just kind of snowballed on him and friends and people that care about him told him, 'Let's clean it up.' Hopefully he took it to heart. It's fun to trust him and fun to see him perform."
While speaking to the media after the game Sunday, Perkins's two-RBI baseball was already encapsulated, authenticated and in his locker with a picture of him on second base thanks to the Brewers' detail-oriented director of equipment for the major and minor leagues.
Perkins also plans on getting the pink bat he used for the hit authenticated and someday down the line he'll be able to put together a display reminding him of his very special day.
"It starts with my faith in Jesus and then it goes to my wife, my family and these guys here keeping me grounded. Obviously, Murph's a big help too because baseball's a tough game mentally with the ups and downs," Perkins said. "Just trying to take it a day at a time and ask for help if I need it.
"I'm not doing this all alone, I can tell you that."
Milwaukee Brewers second baseman Brice Turang (2) celebrates his walk off home run during the ninth inning of their game against the New York Yankees Sunday, May 10, 2026 at American Family Field in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The Milwaukee Brewers beat the New York Yankees 4-3.
Milwaukee Brewers second baseman Brice Turang (2) hits a walk off home run during the ninth inning of their game against the New York Yankees Sunday, May 10, 2026 at American Family Field in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The Milwaukee Brewers beat the New York Yankees 4-3.
Milwaukee Brewers second baseman Brice Turang (2) is swarmed by his teammates after hiting a walk off home run during the ninth inning of their game against the New York Yankees Sunday, May 10, 2026 at American Family Field in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The Milwaukee Brewers beat the New York Yankees 4-3.
Milwaukee Brewers second baseman Brice Turang (2) hits a walk off home run off of New York Yankees pitcher David Bednar, foreground, during the ninth inning of their game Sunday, May 10, 2026 at American Family Field in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The Milwaukee Brewers beat the New York Yankees 4-3.
Milwaukee Brewers second baseman Brice Turang (2) celebrates is walk off home run with third base coach Matt Erickson (68) during the ninth inning of their game against the New York Yankees Sunday, May 10, 2026 at American Family Field in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The Milwaukee Brewers beat the New York Yankees 4-3.
Milwaukee Brewers second baseman Brice Turang (2) hits a walk off home run during the ninth inning of their game against the New York Yankees Sunday, May 10, 2026 at American Family Field in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The Milwaukee Brewers beat the New York Yankees 4-3.
New York Yankees shortstop José Caballero is unable to make the tag on Milwaukee Brewers third baseman to steal second base during the sixth inning of their game Sunday, May 10, 2026 at American Family Field in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Milwaukee Brewers pitcher Dl Hall (37) talks with catcher Gary Sánchez (99) during the sixth inning of their game against the New York Yankees Sunday, May 10, 2026 at American Family Field in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Milwaukee Brewers pitcher Dl Hall (37) watches a double by New York Yankees second baseman Jazz Chisholm Jr. during the sixth inning of their game Sunday, May 10, 2026 at American Family Field in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Milwaukee Brewers left fielder Blake Perkins (16) fields a double by New York Yankees second baseman Jazz Chisholm Jr. during the sixth inning of their game Sunday, May 10, 2026 at American Family Field in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
New York Yankees right fielder Aaron Judge (99) is tagged out by Milwaukee Brewers shortstop Joey Ortiz (3) while trying to steal second base during the sixth inning of their game Sunday, May 10, 2026 at American Family Field in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Milwaukee Brewers outfielder Jackson Chourio is unable to beat the throw to New York Yankees first baseman Ben Rice (22) during the fifth inning of their game Sunday, May 10, 2026 at American Family Field in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Milwaukee Brewers left fielder Blake Perkins (16) hits a two-run single during the fourth inning of their game against the New York Yankees Sunday, May 10, 2026 at American Family Field in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Milwaukee Brewers center fielder Garrett Mitchell (5) hits a sacrifice fly during the fourth inning of their game against the New York Yankees Sunday, May 10, 2026 at American Family Field in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Milwaukee Brewers first baseman Andrew Vaughn is hit by a pitch during the fourth inning of their game against the New York Yankees Sunday, May 10, 2026 at American Family Field in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Milwaukee Brewers pitcher Nolan Henderson watches a boule by New York Yankees shortstop José Caballero (72) during the second inning of their game Sunday, May 10, 2026 at American Family Field in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
New York Yankees shortstop José Caballero (72) hits a double during the second inning of their game against the Milwaukee Brewers Sunday, May 10, 2026 at American Family Field in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
New York Yankees outfielder Spencer Jones hits an RBI single during the second inning of their game against the Milwaukee Brewers Sunday, May 10, 2026 at American Family Field in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
New York Yankees pitcher Carlos Rodón throws during the first inning of their game against the Milwaukee Brewers Sunday, May 10, 2026 at American Family Field in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
New York Yankees pitcher Carlos Rodón throws during the first inning of their game against the Milwaukee Brewers Sunday, May 10, 2026 at American Family Field in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
New York Yankees right fielder Aaron Judge (99) rounds third base after hitting a solo home run during the first inning of their game against the Milwaukee Brewers Sunday, May 10, 2026 at American Family Field in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Milwaukee Brewers pitcher Nolan Henderson throws during the first inning of their game against the New York Yankees Sunday, May 10, 2026 at American Family Field in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Milwaukee Brewers pitcher Nolan Henderson throws during the first inning of their game against the New York Yankees Sunday, May 10, 2026 at American Family Field in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Milwaukee Brewers pitcher Nolan Henderson throws during the first inning of their game against the New York Yankees Sunday, May 10, 2026 at American Family Field in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Milwaukee Brewers pitcher Aaron Ashby (26) enter at the start of the eighth inning of their game against the New York Yankees Sunday, May 10, 2026 at American Family Field in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Milwaukee Brewers pitcher Trevor Megill (29) enters the game at the start of the seventh inning of their game against the New York Yankees Sunday, May 10, 2026 at American Family Field in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Milwaukee Brewers third base coach Matt Erickson (68) is shown during the first inning of their game against the New York Yankees Sunday, May 10, 2026 at American Family Field in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Milwaukee Brewers manager Pat Murphy (49) is shown during the first inning of their game against the New York Yankees Sunday, May 10, 2026 at American Family Field in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Milwaukee Brewers first base coach Spencer Allen, left, talks with outfielder Akil Baddoo before their game against the New York Yankees Sunday, May 10, 2026 at American Family Field in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
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The Milwaukee Brewers beat the New York Yankees 4-3
Milwaukee Brewers second baseman Brice Turang (2) celebrates his walk off home run during the ninth inning of their game against the New York Yankees Sunday, May 10, 2026 at American Family Field in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The Milwaukee Brewers beat the New York Yankees 4-3.
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The Milwaukee Brewers beat the New York Yankees 4-3
Milwaukee Brewers second baseman Brice Turang (2) celebrates his walk off home run during the ninth inning of their game against the New York Yankees Sunday, May 10, 2026 at American Family Field in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The Milwaukee Brewers beat the New York Yankees 4-3.
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The Milwaukee Brewers beat the New York Yankees 4-3
Milwaukee Brewers second baseman Brice Turang (2) hits a walk off home run during the ninth inning of their game against the New York Yankees Sunday, May 10, 2026 at American Family Field in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The Milwaukee Brewers beat the New York Yankees 4-3.
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The Milwaukee Brewers beat the New York Yankees 4-3
Milwaukee Brewers second baseman Brice Turang (2) is swarmed by his teammates after hiting a walk off home run during the ninth inning of their game against the New York Yankees Sunday, May 10, 2026 at American Family Field in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The Milwaukee Brewers beat the New York Yankees 4-3.
4 / 29
The Milwaukee Brewers beat the New York Yankees 4-3
Milwaukee Brewers second baseman Brice Turang (2) hits a walk off home run off of New York Yankees pitcher David Bednar, foreground, during the ninth inning of their game Sunday, May 10, 2026 at American Family Field in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The Milwaukee Brewers beat the New York Yankees 4-3.
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The Milwaukee Brewers beat the New York Yankees 4-3
Milwaukee Brewers second baseman Brice Turang (2) celebrates is walk off home run with third base coach Matt Erickson (68) during the ninth inning of their game against the New York Yankees Sunday, May 10, 2026 at American Family Field in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The Milwaukee Brewers beat the New York Yankees 4-3.
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The Milwaukee Brewers beat the New York Yankees 4-3
Milwaukee Brewers second baseman Brice Turang (2) hits a walk off home run during the ninth inning of their game against the New York Yankees Sunday, May 10, 2026 at American Family Field in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The Milwaukee Brewers beat the New York Yankees 4-3.
7 / 29
The Milwaukee Brewers beat the New York Yankees 4-3
New York Yankees shortstop José Caballero is unable to make the tag on Milwaukee Brewers third baseman to steal second base during the sixth inning of their game Sunday, May 10, 2026 at American Family Field in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
8 / 29
The Milwaukee Brewers beat the New York Yankees 4-3
Milwaukee Brewers pitcher Dl Hall (37) talks with catcher Gary Sánchez (99) during the sixth inning of their game against the New York Yankees Sunday, May 10, 2026 at American Family Field in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
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The Milwaukee Brewers beat the New York Yankees 4-3
Milwaukee Brewers pitcher Dl Hall (37) watches a double by New York Yankees second baseman Jazz Chisholm Jr. during the sixth inning of their game Sunday, May 10, 2026 at American Family Field in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
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The Milwaukee Brewers beat the New York Yankees 4-3
Milwaukee Brewers left fielder Blake Perkins (16) fields a double by New York Yankees second baseman Jazz Chisholm Jr. during the sixth inning of their game Sunday, May 10, 2026 at American Family Field in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
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The Milwaukee Brewers beat the New York Yankees 4-3
New York Yankees right fielder Aaron Judge (99) is tagged out by Milwaukee Brewers shortstop Joey Ortiz (3) while trying to steal second base during the sixth inning of their game Sunday, May 10, 2026 at American Family Field in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
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The Milwaukee Brewers beat the New York Yankees 4-3
Milwaukee Brewers outfielder Jackson Chourio is unable to beat the throw to New York Yankees first baseman Ben Rice (22) during the fifth inning of their game Sunday, May 10, 2026 at American Family Field in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
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The Milwaukee Brewers beat the New York Yankees 4-3
Milwaukee Brewers left fielder Blake Perkins (16) hits a two-run single during the fourth inning of their game against the New York Yankees Sunday, May 10, 2026 at American Family Field in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
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The Milwaukee Brewers beat the New York Yankees 4-3
Milwaukee Brewers center fielder Garrett Mitchell (5) hits a sacrifice fly during the fourth inning of their game against the New York Yankees Sunday, May 10, 2026 at American Family Field in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
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The Milwaukee Brewers beat the New York Yankees 4-3
Milwaukee Brewers first baseman Andrew Vaughn is hit by a pitch during the fourth inning of their game against the New York Yankees Sunday, May 10, 2026 at American Family Field in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
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The Milwaukee Brewers beat the New York Yankees 4-3
Milwaukee Brewers pitcher Nolan Henderson watches a boule by New York Yankees shortstop José Caballero (72) during the second inning of their game Sunday, May 10, 2026 at American Family Field in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
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The Milwaukee Brewers beat the New York Yankees 4-3
New York Yankees shortstop José Caballero (72) hits a double during the second inning of their game against the Milwaukee Brewers Sunday, May 10, 2026 at American Family Field in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
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The Milwaukee Brewers beat the New York Yankees 4-3
New York Yankees outfielder Spencer Jones hits an RBI single during the second inning of their game against the Milwaukee Brewers Sunday, May 10, 2026 at American Family Field in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
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The Milwaukee Brewers beat the New York Yankees 4-3
New York Yankees pitcher Carlos Rodón throws during the first inning of their game against the Milwaukee Brewers Sunday, May 10, 2026 at American Family Field in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
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The Milwaukee Brewers beat the New York Yankees 4-3
New York Yankees pitcher Carlos Rodón throws during the first inning of their game against the Milwaukee Brewers Sunday, May 10, 2026 at American Family Field in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
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The Milwaukee Brewers beat the New York Yankees 4-3
New York Yankees right fielder Aaron Judge (99) rounds third base after hitting a solo home run during the first inning of their game against the Milwaukee Brewers Sunday, May 10, 2026 at American Family Field in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
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The Milwaukee Brewers beat the New York Yankees 4-3
Milwaukee Brewers pitcher Nolan Henderson throws during the first inning of their game against the New York Yankees Sunday, May 10, 2026 at American Family Field in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
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The Milwaukee Brewers beat the New York Yankees 4-3
Milwaukee Brewers pitcher Nolan Henderson throws during the first inning of their game against the New York Yankees Sunday, May 10, 2026 at American Family Field in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
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The Milwaukee Brewers beat the New York Yankees 4-3
Milwaukee Brewers pitcher Nolan Henderson throws during the first inning of their game against the New York Yankees Sunday, May 10, 2026 at American Family Field in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
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The Milwaukee Brewers beat the New York Yankees 4-3
Milwaukee Brewers pitcher Aaron Ashby (26) enter at the start of the eighth inning of their game against the New York Yankees Sunday, May 10, 2026 at American Family Field in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
26 / 29
The Milwaukee Brewers beat the New York Yankees 4-3
Milwaukee Brewers pitcher Trevor Megill (29) enters the game at the start of the seventh inning of their game against the New York Yankees Sunday, May 10, 2026 at American Family Field in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
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The Milwaukee Brewers beat the New York Yankees 4-3
Milwaukee Brewers third base coach Matt Erickson (68) is shown during the first inning of their game against the New York Yankees Sunday, May 10, 2026 at American Family Field in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
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The Milwaukee Brewers beat the New York Yankees 4-3
Milwaukee Brewers manager Pat Murphy (49) is shown during the first inning of their game against the New York Yankees Sunday, May 10, 2026 at American Family Field in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
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The Milwaukee Brewers beat the New York Yankees 4-3
Milwaukee Brewers first base coach Spencer Allen, left, talks with outfielder Akil Baddoo before their game against the New York Yankees Sunday, May 10, 2026 at American Family Field in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.