Kirk Nieuwenhuis’ three-run home run in the third inning accounted for all of Milwaukee’s runs in a 3-1 win over St. Louis on Wednesday night. One of the walks and two of the hits, including the home run, came in the third inning.
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Jhnonny Peralta reached three times and Yadier Molina got on twice from St. Louis and kicked off the late rally by opening the 10th with a single and ground-rule double, respectively, off Corey Knebel (0-2), setting the stage for Grichuk’s go-ahead hit. The 27-year-old has a month left to continue to build on what’s already a single-season best for his career.
Garza (5-6) gave up one run and three hits in seven-plus innings while walking two and striking out eight.
St. Louis’ Adam Wainwright and Milwaukee’s Wily Peralta dueled for seven innings, leaving a 1-1 game for the bullpens. He allowed the three runs on four hits and two walks.
St. Louis Cardinals starting pitcher Luke Weaver throws during the first inning of a baseball game against the Milwaukee Brewers Wednesday, Aug. 31, 2016, in Milwaukee.
The Brewers didn’t get many opportunities against rookie right-hander Luke Weaver, who struck out 10 batters in six innings of work.
Wainwright retired the first nine batters until Jonathan Villar singled leading off the fourth. Martinez set a career-high on Monday with 13 strikeouts, and two nights later Weaver did the same thing with 10 strikeouts. With two outs, the Brewers suddenly had two runners in scoring position. Nieuwenhuis took advantage in the third inning Wednesday. Only Alan Benes, in 1995, and Stu Miller, in 1952, had struck out as many as 10 batters in one of their first four starts for the Cardinals, according to the team. The catcher did so as if expecting an off-speed pitch toward the end of the bat, if Nieuwenhuis swing. He had three innings, 3-up/3-down, in his seven frames.
The Gold Glove-winner drilled a solo home run in the fourth inning to give the Cardinals at least one home run in 20 consecutive games.
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That’s where the game sit entering the bottom of the seventh. Teheran began the night with the lowest run support in the major leagues, but the two-time All-Star used a rare offensive outburst by Atlanta to earn his first home victory since last October 2, a span of 14 starts. Lindor’s double off Alex Wimmers (0-1) snapped a 4-4 tie and helped the Indians maintain their lead over second-place Detroit in the AL Central. And in his previous start, his win, he pitched six innings. And when they loaded the bases with two outs in the eighth against workhorse reliever Torres, the home fans had reason to squirm in their seats. It’s happened a few times in Weaver’s four starts in the majors that an inning accelerates on him. Adrian Beltre started the ninth with a single, his third hit of the game Beltre homered for the Rangers, who won their fourth straight game and have a 10½-game lead over third-place Seattle in the AL West. Houston remained 8½ games back after winning earlier Tuesday against Oakland.
