Indians 7, Brewers 5: Home runs hurt Lohse again

WP: Austin Adams (1-0)
LP: Kyle Lohse (5-11)
SV: Cody Allen (20)

HR: Francisco Lindor (3), Michael Brantley (7), Adam Lind (16)

Box Score

The Brewers offense and defense is doing everything it can to support Kyle Lohse. However, Kyle Lohse isn't returning the favor.

Once again, during a Kyle Lohse start, the Brewers fell behind early thanks to a home run. This time, it was a first inning shot by Francisco Lindor. However, the Brewers didn't take long to respond. Adam Lind hit a two-run home run in the first to put the Brewers up 2-1, and an RBI single by Jean Segura to drive in Aramis Ramirez increased the lead to 3-1. They added on another run in the second inning on a single from Adam Lind. The offense would end up chasing Cleveland starter Cody Anderson after just 2.2 IP, allowing four runs on ten hits.

While the rest of the team was working as hard as they could for this win, Lohse just wasn't giving them much help. Lohse allowed his second home run of the day in the third inning, this one a three-run shot to tie the game at 4-4. He then allowed the go-ahead run in the fifth inning on a single from Brantley to score Jason Kipnis. Lohse would make it through five innings, but allowed five runs on ten hits and three walks, with only three strikeouts.

Meanwhile, after seeing heavy usage in last night's game, the Cleveland bullpen was called in to action again, but had better success this time.  Austin Adams, Ryan Webb, Zach McCallister, and Bryan Shaw combined to pitch 5.1 innings of scoreless relief. Cody Allen did allow a run on three hits in the ninth, but limited the damage for the save. Meanwhile, in the Brewers bullpen, Michael Blazek and Neal Cotts each allowed a run in their appearances, while Jonathan Broxton pitch 1.1 clean innings.

Adam Lind was the star on offense for today. He went 4-for-5 in the game, driving in four of the Brewers five runs. Jean Segura drove in the other run. Scooter Gennett continued his recent run of good offense with a 3-for-4 day, and Gerardo Parra, Jonathan Lucroy, and Aramis Ramirez each had two-hit games.

Meanwhile, on defense, the infield was working overtime to minimize baserunners. After turning four double-plays in last night's game, they turned another four today. In the outfield, Khris Davis did commit a fielding error.

The Brewers now head on the road for a seven-game west coast road trip. First up is Arizona, which will be a bit of a homecoming for Counsell, who won a World Series while with the Diamondbacks. In game one, Mike Fiers will pitch for the Brewers, while the Arizona starter is TBD. First pitch is at 8:40 pm.