Yelich homers again, Brewers hang on to top Braves

[July 18, 2019]    Christian Yelich homered for the third time in four days, one of two struck by Milwaukee hitters, to help the Brewers defeat the visiting Atlanta Braves 5-4 on Wednesday afternoon.

Yelich hit a solo homer in the sixth inning against Atlanta starter Dallas Keuchel (3-3) to ignite a three-run outburst that allowed Milwaukee to put the game away and ensure a series victory. It was the 34th homer for Yelich, two shy of his career-high total from 2018, when he was the NL Most Valuable Player.

Braves starting pitcher Dallas Keuchel (60) delivers a pitch agains the Milwaukee Brewers in the first inning at Miller Park. Mandatory Credit: Michael McLoone-USA TODAY Sports

The win gave the Brewers their first series win over a team other than Pittsburgh since mid-May. The two clubs split the six-game season series.

Chase Anderson (5-2) continued his good work against the Braves. He pitched 5 2/3 scoreless innings and allowed one hit and three walks, striking out three.

It was Anderson's fifth straight start in which he has allowed two or fewer runs. He improved to 3-0 with a 3.37 ERA in six career starts against Atlanta.

There was drama in the ninth. Milwaukee closer Josh Hader allowed two hits to open the inning. After retiring the next two batters, Hader struck out Freddie Freeman, but the ball got away from catcher Manny Pina, and Freeman hustled to first to load the bases.

Josh Donaldson took advantage with a two-run single to pull the Braves within a run, but Hader fanned Ozzie Albies on three pitches to end the game. Hader earned his 21st save.

Keuchel continued to be frustrated by the Brewers. He allowed five runs (four earned) in 5 2/3 innings. Keuchel gave up six hits, two walks and struck out five. He dropped to 0-4 in five career starts against Milwaukee.

The Brewers took a 2-0 lead in the second inning when Pina hit a two-run homer, his fifth.

Milwaukee scored three times in the sixth. After Yelich hit a one-out homer, Ryan Braun tripled and scored on Keston Hiura's double. Pina lined a single to center to drive in Hiura.

The Braves broke up the shutout in the eighth when Donaldson hit a two-run homer off Junior Guerra that just stayed fair as it sailed into the left field seats.

--Field Level Media

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