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Win: Mike Fiers (2-1)
Loss: Edwin Jackson (6-13)
HR: Khris Davis (20), Mark Reynolds (21)
Headline courtesy of Rubie Q
It's only been two starts so far since Matt Garza went down due to injury, but thus far it's impossible not to be impressed with what Mike Fiers has done in his return to the Brewers rotation. After being a splendid surprise in 2012 as a key member of the team's starting staff, Fiers had what basically amounted to a wasted year in 2013.
Now, in 2014. Fiers is looking better than ever. He had an incredible year in Triple-A, then came up to throw eight three-hit innings against the Dodgers. Today, Fiers was arguably even better. Once again he allowed just three hits. This time, however, he also did not allow a run. He only pitched six innings, but had a good reason for that: He needed to throw a lot of pitches en route to striking out 14 batters.
Those 14 Ks are tied for second all-time in Brewers history for a single start. Yovani Gallardo (July 15, 2012) and Moose Haas (April 12, 1978) also matched that number. Ben Sheets has the all-time franchise record after he struck out 18 Braves batters over nine innings against the Braves on May 16, 2004.
And the Brewers' offense gave Fiers plenty of breathing room early. They picked up two runs in the first when Scooter Gennett doubled home Jonathan Lucroy and Khris Davis, then got another on a Khris Davis home run in the third to take a 3-0 lead.
Elian Herrera, starting in place of Jean Segura, hit an RBI triple in the fourth, then came around to score himself to drive the lead to 5-0. Mark Reynolds scored the final Brewers' run in the eighth when he ripped his 21st home run of the season.
The Cubs scored a couple runs against the usually-great Zach Duke in the seventh, but that was too little too late. The Brewers were just too good today as they salvaged a series split.
Up next for the Brewers will be the Dodgers again, this time in Los Angeles.
