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Winning Pitcher: Marco Estrada
Losing Pitcher: Christian Bergman
SV: Francisco Rogriguez
HR: Segura x2 (4), Davis (13)
Double, double, weird "tough hop" single, squibber down the third base line for a double. The first inning was a fun one for Brewers hitting. Scooter Gennett led off with a double and advanced to third on a ground out from Ryan Braun. Not to be outdone, Jonathan Lucroy lined in the run with a scorching double of his own. Carlos Gomez kept it going with a grounder that kicked off second base and off of DJ Lemahieu's glove directly into Troy Tulowitzki's glove. It was too late though as everyone was safe. With runners at the corners Aramis Ramiez was able to squeak a grounder fair down the third base line easily scoring Lucroy. Gomez's speed allowed him to score to and after the half inning was over the Brewers took an early 3-0 lead.
Unfortunately it was a good inning for Rockies hitting too. With runners at second and third Justin Morneau hit a fly to shallow center. Not sure why it happened, but Khris Davis didn't pull up, but Gomez had to try to avoid him and make the catch so what would have been an out wound up as a double and 2 runs scored. Because the official scorer didn't know who to give the error to, he didn't give it to anyone and the runs counted as earned. Estrada didn't pitch poorly this inning that cannot be stressed enough. He only got to one 3-2 count and that was the only batter he got behind. He also got 2 strike outs. Had it not been for that (non)error the Brewers get out of the inning unscathed.
The Brewers got a run back IMMEDIATELY as Jean Segura hit a lead off home run on the first pitch. Thanks Coors Field! Seeing the defense behind him in the first inning, Estrada decided he needed all the offense he could get and hit a seeing eye single. Unfortunately no one was able to drive him in. But the Brewers left with a 4-2 lead.
The defense failed Estrada again in the second and it was really stupid. With two outs already, Estrada got Corey Dickerson to ground to Segura. He tried to barehand it (which was the right thing to do) but he missed it and instead of going back to grab the ball he kind of just let it roll expecting the runner at third base to stay put. He didn't and he scored easily. Too easily. Had Segura went back for the ball or gloved it instead at the very least the runner would have stayed put. Best case, they get the out at home. These first two innings were absolutely embarrassing for the Brewers defense. Estrada didn't help himself by giving up a 3 run home run to Morneau after working around Tulowitzki. After two complete the Rockies took a 6-4 lead.
Just like before, the Brewers send out a pick-me-up this time in the form of a game tying two run home run from Khris Davis (Ramirez had a single prior and was on base for it). If that wasn't enough, Jean Segura hit his second solo shot of the night give the lead back to the Brewers.
The Rockies' starter, Christian Bergman, took a liner off Ramirez's bat in the third inning and didn't come back for the fourth. Instead Tommy Kahnle took the mound. Gennet drew a walk, but was erased by Braun hitting into a fielder's choice. Lucroy drew another walk and a grounder up the middle off Gomez's bat scored Braun.
The Brewers tacked on more runs in the sixth inning. Braun doubled and advanced to third on a Gomez infield single. Ramirez lined one up the middle driving in Braun to put the Brewers up by 3 runs. Khris Davis lined another hit to right giving the Brewers yet another run. Segura's third hit was a grounder through the left side of the infield and an RBI at that. After the inning ended the Brewers found themselves with an 11-6 lead.
Estrada left the fifth inning with 2 outs and a runner a second base. Zach Duke gave up a 2-run home run. One of those runs was awarded to Estrada's and so his final line included 7 ER,10 H, 1 BB, 7K. That looks a lot worse than it really was. All 6 runs came in the first two innings. If it weren't for the official scorer not being able to figure out who to slap the error on in the first inning, 2 runs wouldn't have counted. If the Segura screw-up hadn't happened another run doesn't score. It's really frustrating because I know a bunch of people aren't going to care. They want any reason to confirm their bias that Estrada is garbage. Don't get me wrong, he wasn't good tonight. He just wasn't as bad as people are going to claim. And no, I'm not trying to say he should stay in the rotation and Jimmy Nelson should stay in AAA. I'm just saying, at the very least he's worth rostering.
In the seventh inning Gennett decided to bunt for a hit just to mess with me. He reached safely and then Braun drove him in with a double to deep center. For my sake that was the only thing that happened this inning. I'm getting tired of writing and I'm sure you've come close to your tolerance for reading!
The Rockies don't care though as they got another two runs on a home run off Brandon Kintzler in the bottom of the seventh. The inning ended with no more damage, but the Rockies were able to cut the Brewers lead down to 2.
Will Smith pitched the eighth inning. He induced a grounder, but Ramirez could field it cleanly and the runner reached safely. It was a tough play, but probably one that should have been made. Smith took matters into his own hands with next batter. He struck out Corey Dickerson and made him look silly doing it. Tulowitzki did not look foolish lining a single, however. Justin Morneau hit a grounder that looked like it was going to score a run, but Jean Segura was able to gobble it up and get the runner at second base without a run scoring. Smith got Wilin Rosario to strike out swinging with his SLIDER OF DOOOOOOM. It was exciting and awesome. If you missed it I'm so so sorry.
In the top of the ninth inning, Scooter Gennett hit a ground rule double and Braun drove him in with a line drive single. No lead is safe at Coors so it felt so satisfying to watch play out.
With a three run lead the Brewers sent Francisco Rodriguez to the mound. It was one of the easiest saves he got this season with 2 strikeouts and a fly out. Tonight's victory puts the Brewers 15 games above .500 (season high) and 5.5 games ahead of the second place Cardinals. Game 2 is tomorrow afternoon at 3:10 pm CT. Wily Peralta faces Christian Friedrich.
