In Tampa, Florida, the Milwaukee Brewers secured a 4-2 victory over the Tampa Bay Rays on Sunday, avoiding being swept in a three-game series. The Brewersโ success was bolstered by impressive back-to-back home runs from Christian Yelich and William Contreras in the fourth inning.
Tyler Alexander played a crucial role in the win, entering the game with one out and two opponents on base during the fifth inning. He then delivered 1 2/3 innings without allowing a hit. Trevor Megill also contributed by delivering a flawless ninth inning, earning his fifth save and helping the Brewers end a three-game losing streak.
During the game, Jake Bauers drew a walk from pitcher Drew Rasmussen and later scored due to Caleb Durbinโs groundout, narrowing the Brewersโ lead to 3-2 in the fifth inning. Yelich further extended Milwaukeeโs lead by leading off the eighth with a hit, stealing second base, and eventually scoring on Rhys Hoskinsโs two-out single.
For the Tampa Bay Rays, Chandler Simpson showcased his abilities with two doubles, while Jonathan Aranda collected three hits and had an RBI. A sacrifice fly by Josรฉ Caballero previously tied the score at 2-2 in the fourth inning.
A pivotal moment occurred in the seventh inning when Danny Jansen started with an infield single. However, after a pinch-runner substitution with Christopher Morel, Chandler Simpson hit into a 1-6-3 double play. Brice Turang ended the inning by catching Brandon Loweโs following hit.
Notably, the Brewers finally broke a dismal streak of 13 consecutive losses in games where they allowed the first run this season. They were the last team in Major League Baseball to win a game after their opponent scored first.
Looking forward, Freddy Peralta, with a record of 4-2 and an ERA of 2.18, is set to take the mound for the Brewers against the Cleveland Guardians on Monday, where he will face Ben Lively, who holds a 2-2 record and a 3.46 ERA. Meanwhile, the Rays are scheduled to begin their next series against the Toronto Blue Jays on Tuesday, though their starting pitcher is still to be announced. Josรฉ Berrรญos, with a 1-1 record and a 3.86 ERA, is expected to start for the Blue Jays.