The Milwaukee Brewers increased their lead in the National League Central Division to four-and-a-half games over the Chicago Cubs by defeating their I-94 rivals 10-6 on Wednesday night. With the loss, the Cubs are now tied with the St. Louis Cardinals, who have two games in a row, for second place in the division. The Pittsburgh Pirates are six-and-a-half games back and the Cincinnati Reds are eight-and-a-half behind Milwaukee.
Going into Wednesday’s game, many wondered if the Brewers had a shot against Shota Imanaga, who had a 5-0 record and 0.84 ERA entering play. The 30-year old rookie from Japan was one of the most noteworthy free agent signings of the offseason and is an early contender for both the Rookie of the Year and Cy Young Awards in the National League.
The Milwaukee Brewers Offense Cut Loose Against Shota Imanaga and the Chicago Cubs
The Brewers, however, were able to tag Imanaga for seven earned runs on eight hits in less than five innings. With their leadoff spot not producing against left-handed starters, manager Pat Murphy decided to try something new and put rookie infielder Joey Ortiz at the top of the batting order. Ortiz delivered by going 2/3 at the plate, a walk, and three runs scored.
Additionally, three Brewers hitters hit two-run home runs on Wednesday night: Christian Yelich, Blake Perkins, and Willy Adames. Gary Sanchez had a two-RBI double while Yelich and Adames each had an extra RBI at different points in the game.
Six of the nine batter that Milwaukee sent to the plate recorded a hit. The only ones who did not were Jake Bauers, Jackson Chourio, and Brice Turang.
Milwaukee Brewers Centerfielder Blake Perkins Was the Star of the Game
While there was plenty of offense last night, centerfielder Blake Perkins ensured that there were plenty of highlight reel defensive plays as well.
In the top of the third inning, Perkins robbed the Cubs of a go-ahead two-run home run with a leaping catch on the run at the wall to bring the ball back. His amazing catch was third out. He then hit his own two-run home run in the bottom of the inning.
In the seventh, Perkins made a diving catch on the warning track to rob Ian Happ of an extra base hit. After the game, left fielder Christian Yelich praised Perkins’ efforts by saying, “It’s probably the best game I’ve ever seen him play.”
Milwaukee Brewers Centerfielder Blake Perkins Is Asked If Hitting or Robbing a Home Run Is Better
After the game, Perkins was asked by Brewers media members which he felt was better: hitting a home run, or robbing one:
The man of the hour, Blake Perkins: pic.twitter.com/g2OTQ7ECUC
— Todd Rosiak (@Todd_Rosiak) May 30, 2024
“Well, I think for the game situation, I think a home run robbery is a bigger momentum boost,” he said. “But hitting a home run in a Big League game against the Cubs is hard to beat, so selfishly I’ll say hitting the home run.”
Perkins also revealed the catch he made diving on the warning track was a much harder catch to make than his home run robbery.
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