Brewers stay hot, top Braves

Eric Lauer allowed one earned run, Christian Yelich’s infield single was the big hit in Milwaukee’s four-run sixth inning, and the streaking Brewers beat the Atlanta Braves 6-3 on Friday night.

The NL Central-leading Brewers have won four straight and nine of 10.

Atlanta’s Ronald Acuña Jr. opened the fourth with a 450-foot homer to center field — his first since returning from knee surgery. The momentum of Acuña’s big swing forced him to fall in the batter’s box before he rose to jog around the bases.

Lauer (3-0) gave up two runs, one earned, on two hits and three walks in 6 1/3 innings. He had eight strikeouts, giving him 32 in his last three starts. The left-hander has allowed no more than one earned run in four consecutive starts and has a 1.82 ERA.

Dansby Swanson added an eighth-inning homer off Jandel Gustave for Atlanta.

After hitting 20 homers in a six-game homestand against the Chicago Cubs and Cincinnati, the Brewers found different ways to score as they opened a nine-game trip. Milwaukee managed only two infield hits in the big sixth inning, but took advantage of four walks by Collin McHugh (0-1) and Tyler Matzek.

The Braves wore their 1974 throwback uniforms as part of their celebration of late Hall of Famer Hank Aaron this week.

Aaron began his major league career with the Milwaukee Braves and played his final two seasons with the Brewers. The Brewers joined the tribute by wearing Aaron’s 44 on their uniform sleeves.

To the showers

A day after six games were rained out, the weather could still cause scheduling problems in some places this weekend.

The Royals-Orioles in Baltimore and RangersYankees in New York were called off and set to be made up Sunday as part of doubleheaders. But rain is the forecast for both places Saturday and could make it tough to play the entire series.

The Blue Jays-Guardians in Cleveland and DodgersCubs at Wrigley Field are scheduled for split doubleheaders Saturday. It’s supposed to be clear and chilly in those cities for the twinbills.

This will be the third doubleheader of the season for José Ramírez and the Guardians at Progressive Field.

There’s no rush to make up the Mets-Phillies in Philadelphia because they play each other plenty. They’ll catch up with a doubleheader in August at Citizens Bank Park.

NL Central rivals Pittsburgh and Cincinnati were postponed at Great American Ball Park and will make up the game in July.

They are already scheduled to play two today, making up a game from April 4.