Tyrone Taylor connected for two run-scoring RBI doubles and put Milwaukee ahead for good with an impressive slide in the Central Division-leading Central League National LeagueThe Brewers, 4-2 over the Miami Marlins on Thursday afternoon.
Brewers Achieve Solid Victory
The Brewers won three of four games over the Marlins this week and extended their division lead to four and a half games over the Chicago Cubs.
The Marlins remain just out of playoff position while chasing one of the three National League wild card spots.
Milwaukee trailed 2-1 in the fifth inning when Andruw Monasterio singled to open the inning off Marlins starter Eury Perez.
Monasterio moved to second base on Brice Turang's sacrifice bunt and advanced to third on an uncontrolled throw before scoring on Taylor's double to left field.
Taylor then attempted to score on Sal Frelick's single with two outs, which was caught by right fielder Jesus Sanchez.
Although Taylor was initially ruled out, the ruling was overturned after replays showed that he had eluded catcher Jacob Stallings' bunt as he slid toward home and placed his right hand on base.
Frelick was the last in the lineup to face Perez. The 20-year-old right-hander struck out seven and allowed five hits, three runs and no walks in four innings.
The Brewers extended their lead to 4-2 in the seventh against Steven Okert. Turang connected on a single to open the inning, stole second base and came home on Taylor's double to left field.
Brewers starter Adrian Houser, who had been dealing with an elbow problem, came off the injured list and made his first appearance since Aug. 27. Houser struck out five and allowed five hits and two runs in five innings.
Milwaukee Brewers 9-5 Washington Nationals
Brewers 9-5 win over the Nationals. The win helps the Brewers pull within 6 wins of the Cubs. pic.twitter.com/bCCtNj5OmN
- Todo Deporte (@deport63180) September 17, 2023
Marlins Couldn't Beat Brewers' Consistency
Elvis Peguero, Abner Uribe, Joel Payamps and Devin Williams combined to allow one hit and one base on balls in four innings of scoreless relief.
Williams retired all three batters in order in the ninth inning for his 34th save in 38 chances.
The Marlins took an early lead thanks in part to Luis Arraez, who opened the game with a hit for the third consecutive day.
After starting Tuesday's game with a home run and Wednesday's game with a single, Arraez opened Thursday's game with a double. Arraez advanced to third base on Jake Burger's single and scored on a sacrifice fly by Sanchez.
The Brewers took advantage of a risky run by William Contreras to tie the game in the fourth.
After Contreras connected on a double to open the inning, he went to third base on Willy Adames' fly to left field and reached third safely with an awkward slide.
That allowed him to reach home on Rowdy Tellez's sacrifice fly to center. Miami regained the lead in the top of the fifth before falling behind in the bottom of the inning.
Xavier Edwards opened the top of the fifth by beating out a bunt while Houser failed to field the ball cleanly. Edwards advanced to second when Dane Myers struck out and scored on Stallings' single to left field.
Injuries and Next Steps for Both Teams
Brewers left fielder Christian Yelich missed his sixth consecutive game due to lower back soreness. Outfielder Mark Canha missed his second consecutive game due to left wrist soreness.
Brewers left-hander Aaron Ashby continues his rehab assignment at Double-A Biloxi. Ashby is not expected to pitch in the majors this season as he recovers from arthroscopic shoulder surgery.
Meanwhile, the Marlins begin a three-game home series against the National League East champions, the Atlanta Braves. In Friday's series opener, right-hander Johnny Cueto is expected to pitch for the Marlins.
The Brewers hope to put up a fight against the Washington Nationals this Friday night.
