W: Kameron Loe (2-1)
L: Mike Leake (3-1)
S: John Axford (5)
HR: Ryan Braun (9), Prince Fielder (4), Rickie Weeks (6), Brandon Phillips (3)
MVP: Rickie Weeks (+.240)
LVP: Craig Counsell (-.105)
Win Expectancy Graph and Star of the Game Voting
The Brewers didn't have many capable bats in the lineup tonight, but they made the most of what they had. On a night where Craig Counsell, Mark Kotsay, Yuniesky Betancourt and Carlos Gomez were all in the lineup, the Brewers got three solo home runs from Ryan Braun, Prince Fielder and Rickie Weeks to propel them to a 3-2 victory.
Marco Estrada has done absolutely everything he can to make sure he's the first guy called back up if the Brewers need a sixth starter again. Tonight, in what will likely be his final start before Zack Greinke's return, he allowed two runs on just two hits over seven innings, walking three and striking out five.
Unfortunately, the Brewers weren't able to muster enough offense to get him the win. They picked up just two runs in the first seven innings against Mike Leake on Fielder and Braun's solo shots. Braun's home run was his league-leading ninth, extended his hitting streak to eleven games and his season opening on base streak to 23 games. Weeks' home run gave the Brewers the lead, but it was after Kameron Loe had replaced Estrada.
The Brewers made a surprise roster move before the game, necessitated when Erick Almonte was hit in the head by a throw during batting practice. He was placed on the new 7-day DL for concussions. Corey Hart, who wasn't scheduled to be activated until tomorrow, returned a day early and grounded out in the seventh in a pinch hit appearance.
This was the Brewers' first win against the Reds in five tries this season.