Brewers Strike Early Against Astros, Hold On Late for 6-5 Win

WP: Zack Greinke (2-1)
LP: Lucas Harrell (1-1)
SV: John Axford (3)

HR: Jed Lowrie (1), Ryan Braun (3)

MVP: Ryan Braun (+.194)
LVP: Jose Veras (-.152)

Box Score

Win Expectancy Graph and Star of the Game Voting

It may be too much to ask for a drama free win. After six innings, it looked like it could be a nice all-around game, but then the bullpen came into play.

The Astros struck first and quick to start the game with a first inning home run from Jed Lowrie. In the bottom of the first, the Brewers took the lead back with a three-run inning, with RBIs coming from Ryan Braun, Aramis Ramirez, and Corey Hart. They would add on a run each in the fourth, fifth, and sixth inning to take a 6-2 lead after six innings.

Zack Greinke didn't have his best stuff today, but he did what he needed to do. He pitched six innings today, giving up two runs on eight hits and two walks. The first run scored on the first inning home run from Lowrie, and the second came on a bases-loaded walk to Brian Bogusevic. He left the game with the 6-2 lead and gave the Brewers a great chance to get their twentieth straight win in one of his home starts.

Ryan Braun had a three-hit game, recording a single, double, and home run in the game. He fell a triple short of the cycle. Jonathan Lucroy had a two-hit game, and Aramis Ramirez and Corey Hart both recorded triples.

A scary moment came up in the sixth inning after Rickie Weeks hit a pop up in foul territory to Carlos Lee. Mat Gamel tagged and came home, the throw from Lee was perfect to Jason Castro, and Mat Gamel ran right into him trying to score. Gamel was out, but Castro sat on the ground for a minute after the hit to the head. Castro would stay in the game after showing no lingering effects from the hit.

Jose Veras came in to pitch the seventh inning and struggled. He gave up three runs on four hits and one walk, but managed to strike out two and not lose the lead, though it was 6-5 after he was done. Francisco Rodriguez pitched a clean eighth inning to follow Veras. John Axford allowed a hit to Carlos Lee to start the ninth inning, but struck out the side after that to get his third save of the season.

The Brewers and Astros continue their series tomorrow at 7:10 PM. Bud Norris starts for the Astros, and Randy Wolf gets the call for the Brewers.