Milwaukee Brewers Blow Late Lead; Fall to Dodgers 4-3

The Los Angeles Dodgers scored two runs in the 8th as they came from behind to defeat the Milwaukee Brewers 4-3, sunday afternoon.

Before the game began, Ryan Braun was selected as a replacement to the National League All-Star team for the injured St. Louis Cardinals outfielder, Matt Holliday.  He promptly blasted a solo home run to right center field in his first at-bat of the game, his 16th of the season, putting the Brewers in front 1-0.

Hernan Perez supplied the next two runs for the Brewers offense.  With the score tied at one, Perez blasted the first pitch of the 3rd inning into the left field bleachers. The home run was not only the first of the season for Perez, but also the first of his career.

The Brewers loaded the bases with no outs in the top of the 4th inning, but were only able to plate one run.  Perez hit a ground ball into the hole between first and second, and the Dodgers forced out Jean Segura at second, while Adam Lind scored, putting the Brewers up 3-1.

The bullpen has been outstanding for the Brewers this season, but were unable to hold the lead late. Will Smith (4-1) suffered his first loss of the season after allowing a 2-run home run to Adrian Gonzalez, his 18th of the season, putting the Dodgers ahead 4-3.

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Kyle Lohse pitched 5 innings, scattering 4 hits, while striking out 6 batters and allowing 2 earned runs.  He surrendered a solo home run to A.J. Ellis in the 5th inning, the 21st home run allowed by Lohse already this season, which ranks him as second worst in baseball.

Pedro Baez (2-1) pitched a scoreless 8th inning to pick up the victory and closer Kenley Jansen notched his 16th save of the season in 17 opportunities. Dodgers starter Brett Anderson pitched 7 innings, surrendering 8 hits and 3 earned runs, while striking out 3 and not allowing a walk.

The Brewers start to the season was absolutely atrocious, but they have played really well over the last month and a half. Since the start of June the Brewers are 21-18, playing up to the potential that they were supposed to, coming into the season. They will start the second half of the season on Friday, July 17, when they begin a 3 game series against the Pirates at Miller Park, and continue their trek to a .500 season.