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Win: Jordan Lyles (5-12)
Loss: MIke Fiers (9-10)
HR: Martinez (5), Lyles (1), Lowrie (16), Dominguez (5)
MVP: Norichika Aoki (.013 WPA)
LVP: Mike Fiers (-.193 WPA)
Fangraphs Win Expectancy Chart
Mike Fiers continued his recent struggles while Jordan Lyles and the Astros rendered the Brewers offense ineffective. With the Cardinals carrying a big lead into the late innings in their game against the Nationals, the Brewers playoff hopes are almost officially dashed.
Fiers gave up one run in each of the third, fourth and fifth innings and gave up two in the sixth inning. That sixth inning would be the likely end of Fiers' season. He gave up five earned runs on six hits. The good news out of the game is he still struck out ten batters while walking just one. Brandon Kintzler spelled Fiers and gave up two runs in 1.2 innings.
The Brewers gave Jordan Lyles a nice gift in his last start of the year, and the last start he will make as a member of the National League Astros. Lyles pitched a complete game four-hit shutout. He struck out three Brewer hitters and walked one. That is almost definitely the best start of his young career. Lyles even contributed with his bat, hitting a solo home run.
The Brewers offense, meanwhile, did absolutely nothing. Rickie Weeks was the only player to reach base twice, with a single and a walk. Ryan Braun, Aramis Ramirez, and Carlos Gomez also all singled as the team did not have a single extra-base hit.
It's disappointing the Brewers fell short of a playoff spot. It's unsurprising, but it's disappointing. However, it's hard to be too disappointed as, two months ago, I'm not sure anyone gave them a shot of playing any sort of meaningful baseball in September. As fans, we have to be proud of the team for not giving up, and we should feel fortunate that we had the pleasure of seeing them compete far longer than it seemed they would.
The Brewers head into their last series of the year as they face off with the San Diego Padres at Miller Park. First pitch tomorrow is scheduled for 7:10 as Shaun Marcum faces off with Clayton Richard.