Opening Day 2023 did not go the way the Milwaukee Brewers wanted. For the third time in four years, they lost the season’s first game to their division rival Chicago Cubs. There were a lot of things that went wrong for the Brewers on their way to being shutout 4-0. That being said, it just one game out of 162, and there were a few things that Milwaukee and their fans can feel positive about despite the loss.
1. Milwaukee Brewers Rookies Played Well
Two players made their Major League debuts for the Brewers on Opening Day. Brice Turang got the start at second base and batted ninth. He was 1-3 at the plate and played solid defense. In addition, Rule Five draft pick Gus Varland pitched a scoreless inning in relief. He gave up a couple of hits and a walk, but was able to escape the inning without giving up a run.
2. Christian Yelich Is Still Really Good at Getting on Base
Christian Yelich may not have gotten a hit in the Brewers’ 4-0 loss, but he did walk twice. He is resuming his role as Milwaukee’s leadoff hitter, a role in which he thrived in 2022. While it is yet to be seen if the shift being banned will improve his actual batting average, Yelich showed that he has the patience necessary to lead of games for the Crew.
3. Brian Anderson (the Player)
Announcer Brian Anderson was not in the booth for the Crew’s opening game, but outfielder Brian Anderson got the start in right field. Before the game, manager Craig Counsell said that Anderson would be playing right field quite a bit to start the season while Tyrone Taylor is on the IL. Anderson batted eighth, going 1-2 with a single and a walk. Yelich, Willy Adames, and Anderson were the only three players who reached base twice for Milwaukee.
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