Brewers win 7-4 by capitalizing on Pirates' control problems

MILWAUKEE (AP) — Christian Yelich hit a bases-loaded double and Pittsburgh relievers issued three consecutive bases-loaded walks in a five-run seventh inning that helped the Milwaukee Brewers beat the Pirates 7-4 on Friday night.

The Brewers tied a franchise record by drawing six walks in the seventh-inning rally that put them ahead for good. They also walked six times in an inning May 19, 1977, against Toronto and Sept. 21, 2006, against San Francisco.

Ke’Bryan Hayes hit a two-run homer, and Ben Gamel and Gregory Polanco added solo shots for the Pirates, who lost their fifth straight. Pittsburgh pitchers issued a total of 11 walks.

Yelich’s hit off Clay Holmes (2-1) broke a 2-2 tie after he delivered what initially looked like a slow-rolling single up the middle. But he kept running and made it to second for a two-run double.

Pittsburgh’s inability to throw strikes helped the Brewers add insurance runs as they won for the 12th time in 14 games. The Brewers and Chicago Cubs are tied for first place in the NL Central.

After striking out Avisaíl García and walking Omar Narváez intentionally to load the bases with two outs, Holmes walked Willy Adames unintentionally to extend to Milwaukee’s lead to 5-2.

Trevor Cahill replaced Holmes and walked Jace Peterson and Jackie Bradley Jr. to bring home two more runs.

Hayes’ homer to left-center off Koby Milner cut the Brewers’ lead to 7-4 in the eighth.

Brewers starter Brandon Woodruff (5-2) gave up the homers to Gamel and Polanco, but allowed only two other hits in a seven-inning stint that brought his ERA to 1.52. He struck out five and didn’t walk anyone.

This was the first time Woodruff had allowed multiple homers in a 2021 appearance.

Josh Hader pitched a scoreless ninth...

source https://www.chron.com/sports/article/Brewers-win-7-4-by-capitalizing-on-Pirates-16243013.php