Inconsistent play from Milwaukee sinks team in loss
The Brewers were presented an opportunity to take on a struggling Miami Marlins team while getting Freddy Peralta on the mound, but an inconsistent night left the Brewers with a 6-2 loss.
The momentum of the game shifted quickly when the Marlins cracked two home runs in the first inning. It was a consequence of some uneven control from Peralta early in the game. The first batter he faced, Jazz Chisholm, was given a free pass before coming home on a Bryan De La Cruz homer. Jake Burger added to the early score with a solo shot, leaving the Brewers with a three-run deficit after just one inning.
Peralta wasn’t locked in with his command, providing opportunities for the Marlins. Beyond the home runs that gave the Marlins their early lead, soft contact forced Peralta to deal with traffic most of the night. He gave up six hits and five walks, a difficult combination that led to his three earned runs allowed.
In total, five runs scored on his watch as a costly Willy Adames error in the second inning allowed two runners to score while the bases were loaded. Two early home runs, a defensive misplay, and too many walks built on each other to see the Marlins surge ahead on the scoreboard.
The Brewers put together a decent offensive effort to keep the game in reach, but it wasn’t quite enough. The first strike for Milwaukee came in the third inning when Rhys Hoskins hit his 16th home run of the season with a belt-high changeup.
Second deck shot for @rhyshoskins ❗️ https://t.co/FMAWTUh8yv pic.twitter.com/skOC3o7Rlg
— Milwaukee Brewers (@Brewers) July 27, 2024
The Brewers and Marlins both had difficulty bringing home runners in scoring position, but without the thump that Miami provided, it left the Brewers facing an offensive drought. After Hoskins’ home run, for example, Sal Frelick hit a sharp double in a full count, but the Brewers were unable to get the ball out of the infield to bring him home.
The only other run for Milwaukee came after William Contreras doubled in the fourth inning and advanced to third on a tag-up. Gary Sanchez was able to hit a sacrifice fly to plate the run.
The Marlins were able to convert several impressive defensive plays to keep the Brewers offense in check, leaving the bullpen to finish the job. Milwaukee managed just one hit against Miami relievers in 3 2⁄3 innings.
In the ninth inning, the Marlins tacked on an extra insurance run on a Josh Bell home run against Janson Junk. Junk was recalled earlier in the day and had an otherwise impressive outing. In the eighth inning, he got two crucial strikeouts for an emphatic escape while the Brewers were still three runs behind.
Although it was a disappointing result for Milwaukee, Jackson Chourio continues to build on his improving skillset. He went 2-for-4 with a double, although he also got caught stealing. Chourio’s recent rise to the top of the order has been a boon for this offense, with an .817 OPS over his last 15 games.
The Brewers get another chance against Miami tomorrow night. Aaron Civale is set to start against Max Meyer. First pitch is at 6:10 p.m.