Brewers fall back to Earth, lose 4-2 to get swept by Trout-less Angels

Milwaukee faced the possibility of being swept for the first time since they were swept in a five game series last year in Pittsburgh just prior to the All Star break. The good news for the Brewers was that the best player on the planet was not in the Angels’ lineup. Even more good news, Brandon Woodruff was dominant over five innings. The bad news was Woodruff pitched six innings. The third inning proved to be the bugaboo for the young fireballer, and the Brewers as they lost this game 4-2. Thus allowing the Angels to complete the sweep.

The Brewers did strike fist in the top of the third. Angels pitcher Felix Pena hit Ben Gamel with a pitch. Then Orlando Arica hit third baseman Taylor Ward in the chest with a sharp ground ball that bounced off and away from him. The result was an error charged to the former catching prospect. Later in the inning, Christian Yelich singled to score Gamel giving Milwaukee an early lead, 1-0.

Brandon Woodruff was efficient and effective for the first two innings of this game. Inning number three was another story. He hit Kevan Smith with a pitch and walked David Fletcher. The Angels loaded the bases with no one out with a single by Kole Calhoun. Smith scored on a single by Andrelton Simmons. Justin Bour, next, blooped a single that scored Fletcher and Calhoun making the score 3-1 and still no one out. A diving stop by Mike Moustakas on a ball struck by Albert Pujols resulted in the turning of a double play. A fourth run did score as Simmons was able to score on the play. That would be all the Angels would get off Woodruff, but it was enough.

The Brewers did load the bases in the top of the fourth, but they were unable to capitalize. They threatened again in the fifth with runners at first and second, but Hernan Perez ended the threat by hitting into a double play. In the seventh, the Brewers were able to turn one of those threats into something. Orlando Arica doubled off the wall to open the inning. Later in the inning, Christian Yelich singled, and Arica scored making it 4-2. Unfortunately, that is how the score remained as Lorenzo Cain flew out to right field to end the game.

Injury note: Travis Shaw was hit in the hand by Felix Pena in the fourth inning and had to leave the game. X-rays were negative, and he is day-to-day. The Brewers have the day off on Thursday. They return to action on Friday against the Los Angeles Dodgers. Corbin Burnes is scheduled to pitch for the Brewers. The Dodgers have Julio Urias scheduled to take the mound. First pitch is 9:10 CST. Friday’s game can be seen on Fox Sports Wisconsin and heard on WTMJ.