W: Jason Frasor (4-2)
L: John Axford (5-6)
S: Joe Nathan (36)
HR: Juan Francisco 2 (17)
MVP: Juan Francisco (+.233 WPA)
LVP: Michael Gonzalez (-.170)
The Brewers were eight outs away from a 6-3 west coast road trip, but they'll have to settle for 5-4.
Juan Francisco's pair of home runs gave the Brewers a 4-2 lead heading into the seventh inning tonight, but Michael Gonzalez and John Axford combined to walk the first three batters they faced and all three eventually came around to score as the Rangers came from behind to take a 5-4 lead and the eventual victory.
Of course, the bullpen may not have been an issue if the Brewers had done a better job avoiding outs on the bases. Jean Segura, Carlos Gomez and Norichika Aoki all made baserunning outs tonight, and Segura and Gomez's were both at third base.
Tyler Thornburg deserved better tonight. He pitched six innings in what might be his final appearance in the Brewer rotation and allowed two runs (one earned) on five hits, walking three while striking out two. He's still allowed just one earned run in his last 20 innings of work, but is likely headed back to AAA when Yovani Gallardo comes off the DL.
Along with Francisco, Carlos Gomez and Scooter Gennett each also had multiple hit games tonight. On the other end of the spectrum, Aramis Ramirez went 0-for-3 with an HBP and still doesn't have a hit since coming off the DL.
For the second consecutive night the Brewers had to wait out a rain delay before first pitch. Tonight's delay was 37 minutes.
The Brewers return home tonight and will open a four-game series with the Reds tomorrow. Kyle Lohse will take on Tony Cingrani at 7:10.