Eric Thames’ two run home run backs Junior Guerra and Josh Hader in Brewers 2-0 win

WP: Dan Jennings (2-0)
LP: Sal Romano (0-2)
SV: Josh Hader (2)

HR: Eric Thames

Box Score

Following a night where the Brewers gave up double digit runs, the pitching staff stepped up to make sure that would not happen again.

With Junior Guerra on the mound, he kept the Reds in check all night. In 5 ²⁄₃ innings, he allowed just one hit and three walks, striking out seven. It fell short of an official quality start since he didn’t finish the sixth inning, but for all other purposes, it was a quality start that the Brewers needed.

Of course, even with a strong start like that, the Brewers still needed some offense for it to pay off. Eric Thames provided that in the bottom of the sixth inning. After Lorenzo Cain walked to lead off the inning, Thames hit his sixth home run of the season to stake the Brewers to a 2-0 lead. It also chased Reds started Sal Romano from the game, after allowing two runs on four hits and two walks in 5+ innings.

Overall, the Brewers offense showed some life, recording eight hits and two walks in the game. Though Thames had the big hit of the night, every starting position player other than Domingo Santana and Jacob Nottingham had a hit. Ryan Braun and Orlando Arcia each had two hits in the game, while Cain and Travis Shaw each had a hit and a walk.

Following Guerra’s strong start, it was up to the bullpen to finish up the game for the Brewers. Dan Jennings led it off with a ¹⁄₃ inning of work. Jeremy Jeffress came in for the seventh, striking out one in an inning of work. Josh Hader came in after that, and he was called upon to get through two innings. He did just that, striking out three and allowing just one hit to finish up the game and record his second save.

The rubber match of the series takes place tomorrow afternoon at Miller Park. Zach Davies gets the start against Tyler Mahle of the Reds. First pitch is at 12:40 pm.