Brewers pouring it on
10th straight win leaves Rockies looking frustrated
MILWAUKEE— It turns out there is way more to the Brewers than just Christian Yelich.
The rest of this Brew Crew can play too. Especially those guys in that loaded bullpen.
Jhoulys Chacin pitched five sparkling innings on short rest, Mike Moustakas contributed two more big hits and the Brewers blanked the Rockies 4-0 Friday to take a 2-0 lead in their NL Division Series.
While the sweet-swinging Yelich had a quiet day by his standards, the NL Central champions showed off their supporting cast on the way to their 10th straight win going back to an impressive finish to the regular season. Erik Kratz had two hits and two RBIs, and the bullpen closed the door after Chacin delivered in his playoff debut.
“We’ve become a team with a lot of depth, and that’s how we’re going to have to win,” manager Craig Counsell said. “They’re making an effort to be very, very cautious with Yelich. It’s pretty clear. So guys behind him are going to have opportunities.”
Game 3 is Sunday at Coors Field. Another win, and the Brewers are into the NL Championship Series for the first time since 2011.
“The only thing that changes is that we hit first,” Moustakas said. “Other than that, it’s still baseball. It’ll be a little bit of a hostile environment.”
Nolan Arenado had two of the Rockies’ six hits — just two more than the franchise playoff low set in Thursday’s loss in Game 1. Brewers third baseman Mike Moustakas helps to pump up the crowd after a double against the Rockies in Game 2. Brewers lead 2-0 G1: Brewers 3, Rockies 2 (10) G2: Brewers 4, Rockies 0 G3: Brewers at Rockies 4:37 p.m. Sunday, MLBN G4: Brewers at Rockies 9:30 p.m. Monday, FS1 G5: Rockies at Brewers 4:35 p.m. Wednesday, FS1 Games 4-5 if necessary The wild-card Rockies have scored six times in their last four games, and their lineup is showing signs of frustration.
Chris Iannetta snapped his bat in half over his right leg after he struck out with a runner on third, no one out and the Rockies down 1-0 in the seventh. Arenado threw down his bat and helmet after he struck out swinging in the fifth. Carlos Gonzalez leaned over with his hands on his knees after he lined out in the eighth.
“It is a little surprising that we’re not generating some runs,” Rockies manager Bud Black said.