Freeman powers Braves past Brewers

[July 16, 2019]    First baseman Freddie Freeman delivered a three-run homer for the second straight game and the visiting Atlanta Braves hung on to beat the Milwaukee Brewers 4-2 on Monday.

Braves first baseman Freddie Freeman (5) hits a three run home run against the Milwaukee Brewers during the fourth inning at Miller Park. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

Freeman drove his 25th homer over the center field fence in the fourth inning to break up a scoreless game and send the Braves on the way to their fifth straight win. Atlanta won for the eighth time in their last nine games. Freeman is 2-for-15 since the All-Star Game, both three-run home runs.

The Braves improved to 3-1 against the Brewers and to a National League-best 30-18 on the road.

Atlanta starter Max Fried (10-4) pitched five shutout innings before leaving the game with a blister on his left index finger. Fried allowed three hits, two walks and struck out five and joined teammate Mike Soroka with double-digit wins. Fried has thrown 11 scoreless innings in two starts this season against the Brewers.

Three Atlanta relievers -- Chad Sobotka, Anthony Swarzak and Luke Jackson -- each threw one scoreless inning to finish the game. Jackson earned his 17th save and struck out pinch-hitter Eric Thames to end the game.

The losing pitcher was Adrian Houser (2-4). He pitched six innings and allowed four runs on eight hits, one walk and three strikeouts. He is 0-4 in six starts this season.

The Brewers drew within a run by scoring twice against reliever Josh Tomlin to make it 3-2. Ryan Braun hit his 13th homer, a long shot to center field. The other run scored when Mike Moustakas singled and scored on Keston Hiura's triple to left field. Hiura was 3-for-4 and also had a double.

Atlanta got one run back in the seventh on three straight singles against Houser. Austin Riley drove in Ozzie Albies when he was jammed and fisted the pitch into left field.

The Braves loaded the bases in the ninth, but the rally ended when Dansby Swanson struck out to end the inning.

Milwaukee catcher Yasmani Grandal was ejected by home plate umpire Jordan Baker for arguing balls and strikes in the sixth inning.

--Field Level Media

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