September 14 – Rhys Hoskins hit a two-run homer and five Milwaukee pitchers slowed the Arizona Diamondbacks’ offense and earned a 2–1 win Friday night in Phoenix.
Freddy Peralta improved to 4-0 by pitching five innings in five career games (three starts) against the Diamondbacks. Joey Ortiz had two hits for the Brewers (85-62), who have won three of their last four games and lead the National League Central in Chicago with the 10-win Cubs (Chicago Cubs).
Arizona had scored 32 points during its three-game winning streak but suffered a setback in the opener of a three-game series against the Brewers on Friday. The Diamondbacks had 13 extra-base hits, including five home runs, in beating the visiting Texas Rangers 14-4 in their most recent game on Wednesday.
The Diamondbacks (82-65) trail San Diego by a half-game for the NFC’s top wild-card spot after the Padres beat the San Francisco Giants 5-0 on Friday night.
Peralta (11-8) allowed one run on six hits, walked four and struck out five. He allowed two runs (0.84 ERA) in 21 1/3 career innings against Arizona.
The Brewers bullpen combined to pitch four hitless innings. Devin Williams finished with his 12th perfect save and ninth perfect save in 13 save opportunities.
Milwaukee’s Joel Payapos and Jared Koenig pitched excellent innings of relief. Trevor Megill walked Christian Walker with one out in the eighth inning, then induced Pavin Smith into a double play on the rebound.
Walker reached base four times with a double and three walks.
Arizona’s Eduardo Rodriguez (2-3) allowed two runs and five hits in five innings. He struck out seven and walked three but lost his third consecutive start.
Gary Sanchez led off Milwaukee’s fourth with a single. After Rodriguez struck out the next two batters, Hoskins came in and hit a 2-2 pitch inside the foul pole down the left field line. The 423-foot blast was Hoskins’ 24th of the season.
The Brewers got two outs in the ninth before Sal Frolic flew out to left against AJ Puk.
Arizona’s single came in the first inning. The Diamondbacks loaded the bases on Ketel Marte’s single and two walks. Then Pavon Smith hit a sacrifice fly to score Corbin Carroll.
–Visual-level media
