Even when the Milwaukee Brewers lose, things go their way. The model small-market organization moved one round closer to its first World Series championship on Tuesday night. Despite leaving Citizens Bank Park with a 6-4 defeat to the Philadelphia Phillies, the Brew Crew clinched a first-round bye in the MLB playoffs. The newly-crowned National League East champion Atlanta Braves fell to the Cincinnati Reds, solidifying themselves as the No. 3 seed.

Milwaukee (98-59) has cleared another checkpoint during what has been a record-breaking campaign, but it still has plenty to play for in the final week of the regular season. The Brewers hold a one-and-a-half-game lead over the Los Angeles Dodgers for the top seed in the postseason bracket. The two-time defending champs can cut that deficit in Tuesday night's series opener versus the San Diego Padres. They also have the luxury of ending the year against the 65-92 San Francisco Giants.

Pat Murphy's squad is not one to quiver, however. The Brewers have cultivated an identity that has enabled them to stay steady for the better part of a decade. They post quality at-bats, pitch well and play smart baseball. This is not exactly a rag-tag bunch, as there is talent aplenty, but Milwaukee can grind its way to wins when necessary. This latest achievement, which follows a rare loss, could ease the franchise's burden entering October.

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While there is certainly a downside that comes with the Wild Card Series bye — players can fall out of rhythm — the chance to replenish the pitching staff can make a huge difference during subsequent rounds. The Brewers will need runaway Cy Young favorite Jacob Misiorowski to serve a workhorse role if they are going to survive the NL gauntlet, so some extra rest should help. They have been limiting the sensational right-hander's innings count in preparation of high-stakes baseball.

Perhaps this guaranteed reset period can give Misiorowski and company the full tanks they require to complete their title quest. Milwaukee could wind up facing the Phillies (87-70) in the NL Division Series, so the next two games could prove quite valuable.