When the Brewers’ opening series against the Cardinals was postponed, questions surrounded whether baseball would be played in Milwaukee, or anywhere else, for the rest of the season. Fortunately, the Brewers were able to have a home opening series against the Chicago White Sox. Unfortunately, they were unable to secure any victories, and would lose both games.
Game One- White Sox 6, Brewers 4
The Brewers started this home stand with a lot of hope. Christian Yelich, mired in a slump to start the season, was thought to be able to break out in the friendly confines of Miller Park. As a whole, the offense was expected to be better in their home park. That, however, was not the case.
The Brewers went onto to lose game one of the series 6-4, struggling to contain the white-hot White Sox (pun intended). After jumping out to a 4-2 lead thanks to three RBI from Avisail Garcia, the bullpen could not hold on. Corbin Burnes came into the game relieving starter Brett Anderson. Burnes struggled with control again, but did not pitch too poorly. He finished with three and two-thirds innings pitched, allowing two runs and three hits. He recorded two walks and five strikeouts.
The loss went to David Phelps, who pitched one inning, allowing one run one two hits and a walk. He also struck out two. Corey Knebel allowed a run as well in two-thirds of an inning. Eric Yardley finished the game for the Brewers, allowing just a hit and a walk.
Game Two- White Sox 3, Brewers 2
The Brewers jumped out to an early lead in game two thanks to a Ben Gamel two-run home run in the sixth inning. Brandon Woodruff pitched a stellar game, allowing just two runs in six innings. Woody also had six strikeouts, scattering eight hits and a walk.
Devin Williams, though, gave up a run off of a hit and a walk while recording three strikeouts in an inning pitched. Brent Suter finished the game with two scoreless innings, but the Brewers would lose the game.
Besides Gamel’s home run, the highlight of the night for the Brewers came late in the game. Mark Mathias, fresh from Appleton, made his major league debut as a pinch runner.
For those who didn't notice, INF/OF Mark Mathias made his MLB debut for #Brewers last night as pinch-runner in ninth inning. He was on 3B as potential tying run when game ended. It's always memorable to get in your first big-league game, no matter the role.
— Tom (@Haudricourt) August 5, 2020
Takeaways
The Brewers have been able to take leads early in the last three games (two against the White Sox). Unfortunately, the bullpen has let them down. Josh Hader has barely been used so far this season due to his closer role. Perhaps bringing him earlier would not be a bad idea.
Christian Yelich continues to struggle at the plate. Recent analysis shows that his mechanics may be a little different as he tries to avoid hurting the knee he injured last season.
The Brewers offense needs to get going, but how that will happen is yet to be seen.
Follow me on Twitter at @theotherAdams14 and follow us @WiscoHeroics1for more great content. To read more of our articles and keep up to date on the latest in Wisconsin sports, click here!
