Ryan Braun Leaves Early, Milwaukee Brewers Fall 4-0 to Arizona Diamondbacks

WP: Robbie Ray
LP: Zach Davies

HR: Gregor Blanco (1), Chris Owings (8)

Box Score

It was anything but pretty for the Milwaukee Brewers in the season opener against the Arizona Diamondbacks. The Brew Crew managed to lose first place in the division — now dropping to third place, four in a row, only manage three hits, and lose Ryan Braun and Manny Piña to injuries due in today’s game.

The rough start got going right from the beginning of the game when Brewers’ starting pitcher Zach Davies allowed a leadoff homer to Gregor Polanco, Polanco’s first home run of the year. Davies would allow another lead off home run in the second before settling down, but it was too much of a hill for the Brewers to climb.

Robbie Ray kept the Brewers at bay for the Diamondbacks. Ray pitched seven scoreless innings, only allowing two hits while striking out nine Milwaukee batters. Ray was obviously going to be a challenge coming into the day as he has been dominant on the road this season, with a 0.81 ERA and a 43:13 K/BB ratio.

Brewers offense, as previously mentioned — were dead throughout the game. The team managed just three hits from Jesus Aguilar, Keon Broxton and Orlandoa Arcia. Arcia actually managed to squeeze a double out of D-Backs relief pitcher Archie Bradley.

Not only did the bats not hit but the Brewers left with less offensive players than they started with. Braun left after just one at-bat with calf tightness and is headed back to the DL. Braun had just returned on May 21 from a DL stint already. Today is the 10-year anniversary of his arrival to the Brewers. Meanwhile, Manny Piña left with an elbow injury after a hit by pitch. Piña was reported as day to day after the game.

Milwaukee will try it again tomorrow and hope to add some wind back in their sales with the return of Opening Day starter Junior Guerra (0-0, 6.00 ERA). Guerra was last seen on Opening Day and left after a leg injury when running to first base. Guerra matches up against Zack Godley (1-1, 2.45 ERA) for the D-backs. First pitch is at 7:10 p.m.