Brewers 9, Marlins 5: Offensive Regression

WP: Marco Estrada (4-2)
LP: Tom Koehler (4-4)

HR: Mark Reynolds (10,11), Khris Davis (6), Giancarlo Stanton (13,14), Garrett Jones (7,8)

MVP: Mark Reynolds (+.213)
LVP: Lyle Overbay (-.038)

Box Score

Win Expectancy Graph

Regression can feel nice, especially when it's positive regression after several days of offensive ineptitude.

The lineup was a bit of a surprise today. With Ryan Braun out, Ron Roenicke chose to bat Jean Segura in the leadoff spot, Jonathan Lucroy third, and Carlos Gomez fourth. Regardless of what he was thinking, it worked. The top five spots in the order went a combined 11-for-23 with two home runs, eight runs scored, eight RBI, one walk, and only four strikeouts. Gomez led them with a 4-for-5 day with two runs scored and two RBI. Mark Reynolds had a multi-HR game for the 20th time in his career, and Khris Davis chipped in with a home run as well. Estrada finished the day with 6 2/3 innings pitched, six hits (four of those home runs), five earned runs, and seven strikeouts with no walks.

Marco Estrada started well, limiting the Marlins to two runs in his first six innings. However, two solo home runs and two singles in the seventh chased him from the game, and Brandon Kintzler allowed a single to the first batter he faced, allowing a third run. Kintzler would finish the inning with no more damage.

The Marlins got some big contributions from Giancarlo Stanton and Garrett Jones, but no one else was able to break through in the game. Marlins starting pitcher Tom Koehler had entered the game with a 2.55 ERA, but the Brewers hit him for seven runs in five innings, raising that ERA to 3.10.

In the bullpen, Will Smith worked around a walk and a hit for a clean eighth inning. Rob Wooten had to deal with a Jean Segura error on the leadoff hitter, but retired the next three hitters to end the game.

The series continues tomorrow against the Marlins. Wily Peralta will face Jacob Turner, and the game will be at 3:10 pm.