Burnes pitches Brewers by Giants in matchup of NL contenders

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Kris Bryant left the Chicago Cubs and NL Central late last month figuring he had seen about enough of Corbin Burnes.

Matching up again, Bryant and his new Giants teammates certainly couldn't figure out the Milwaukee ace.

Burnes struck out nine while tossing scoreless ball into the seventh and singled home a run to help his winning cause, pitching the Brewers by San Francisco 3-1 on Monday night in a matchup of National League contenders.

“I thought I was getting away from him coming over here, but seen him twice now, he's one of the best in the game," Bryant said.

Burnes (9-4) didn't walk a batter and allowed four hits. Brandon Belt led off the seventh with a double and Bryant singled to end Burnes' night.

“Overall was really pleased with how I threw the ball,” Burnes said. “... For most of the night we were kind of keeping them off balance."

Brad Boxberger relieved and immediately surrendered Brandon Crawford's RBI single. But that was it for the NL leaders.

Bryant started the ninth with a double against Josh Hader, who recovered for his 28th save and 10th straight scoreless appearance.

Given the clubs didn't meet during the shortened 60-game 2020 schedule, Bryant is a player on the other side the Brewers know best.

“He's obviously been a great addition for the Giants," Brewers manager Craig Counsell said of Bryant. “He's a tough out no matter what, he's a tough guy to go through a bunch. We are very familiar with him, kind of know his strengths, know his weaknesses. Sometimes it's good, sometimes it's bad. He's got knowledge, too.”

Omar Narváez hit an RBI single in the first, following Christian Yelich's one-out double for Central-leading Milwaukee (80-52). Luis Urías contributed a key sacrifice...

source https://www.chron.com/sports/article/Burnes-pitches-Brewers-by-Giants-in-matchup-of-NL-16424292.php