Atlanta pitcher Mike Minor delivers against the Milwaukee Brewers during the first inning of Monday’s game in Milwaukee. (The Associated Press)
Despite coming up with 10 hits, including three in the fourth inning, the Braves scored just one run and did not have an RBI. Running into four outs, including three in the first four innings, was the beginning of the offensive troubles, and stranding seven while hitting 1-for-4 with runners in scoring position added to them.
But it was a pair of walks and a crucial error on an ill-advised throw in the seventh inning that proved to be the difference. After surrendering a leadoff single and a walk, Jonny Venters threw wildly past Chipper Jones at third base on a sacrifice bunt, allowing a run to score and all runners to advance safely.
Chad Durbin replaced Venters and promptly walked a batter before surrendering three more runs on a double and a sacrifice fly. All told, the seventh inning featured three relievers, 44 pitches, 10 batters and four runs on just two hits and four walks.
Starter Mike Minor was a bright spot, but inefficiency with his pitches limited him to just 5 2-3 innings and put the bullpen in a tough position, having to get 10 outs. Minor tossed a career-high 115 pitches as he held the Brewers to just two hits and a pair of walks against eight strikeouts.
Before the bullpen gave up the big seventh inning, the Braves looked to be continuing their hot streak despite their offensive struggles. Instead, missed opportunities early made that four-run inning put it away.
Jason Heyward was the first runner thrown out, caught stealing second to end the first. Freddie Freeman was picked off first base an inning later, and Martin Prado was thrown out at third on a Heyward single in the fourth. Prado was thrown out again at third on a Freeman single in the eighth.
Atlanta missed its biggest opportunity in the fourth, beginning with the Prado out.
Jones followed Heyward with a single that would have driven in the run and could have sparked a big inning.
Instead, a Freeman strikeout got Brewers starter Wily Peralta out of the inning.
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