Brewers 2, Braves 3: Bullpen battle goes to the Braves

WP: Luis Avilan (2-0)
LP: Brandon Kintzler (0-1)

HR: None

Box Score
Win Expectancy Graph

Once again, the Brewers started out with a lead. Carlos Gomez began the game with a double, then Ryan Braun drove him in with a RBI single. They would tack on another run in the fourth inning on a Marin Maldonado single. That would be all the Brewers would record for runs in the game.

On the other side, Mike Fiers would hold the Braves scoreless for four innings before allowing two runs on back-to-back doubles in the fifth inning. That would be the last inning for Fiers, as he finished the game allowing seven hits and a walk with five strikeouts.

The game would turn into a battle of the bullpens over the last several innings. The Braves bullpen had four relievers combine to pitch five innings, allowing a total of three hits and two walks. Meanwhile, the Brewers bullpen would do the same for the first five innings they pitched, with Jeremy Jefferss, Will Smith, Jonathan Broxton, and Corey Knebel combining to allow just two hits and two walks in five innings with seven strikeouts. Brandon Kintzler was called on for the bottom of the eleventh inning, and he couldn't match their success. In 2/3 of an inning, he allowed two hits and a walk, which included the game-winning hit to Braves outfielder Jace Peterson.

The Brewers can still salvage a series split with a win on Sunday. Jimmy Nelson will make the start for the Brewers, and Mike Foltynewicz will go for the Braves. First pitch is at 12:35 pm.