Adames is powering Brewers' homer surge

Milwaukee’s Willy Adames is powering a Brewers surge with seven homers in his past 10 games, including two during a 10-5 trouncing of Cincinnati on Thursday.

Adames had just one homer in 16 games prior to this run, mirroring a trend for the whole team — after connecting 14 time in their first 19 games, the Brewers hit 20 homers during a six-game homestand against the Cubs and Reds.

They’ll try to keep it going today at Atlanta. Left-hander Eric Lauer (2-0, 1.93 ERA) will face the World Series champions in their series opener — a rematch of an NL Division Series last year. SCHERZER TRIES TO EXTEND STREAK >> Mets pitcher Max Scherzer’s team has won each of his past 18 regular-season starts, and he is inching in on the record of 23 shared by Kris Medlen and Jake Arrieta. Medlen’s run with Atlanta spanned 2010-12 and survived a Tommy John surgery and a stint in the bullpen, while Arrieta’s stretch started during his 2015 Cy Young Award season and ended in 2016.

Scherzer’s streak began last July 18 with Washington and includes his entire stint with the Dodgers. He’ll oppose Phillies right-hander Kyle Gibson (2-1, 2.93).

BALDELLI, 2 TWINS PLAYERS TEST POSITIVE FOR COVID-19 >> Minnesota manager Rocco Baldelli and second baseman Luis Arraez are out for Thursday’s game at Baltimore after testing positive for COVID-19. A team spokesman said Baldelli, Arraez and right-hander Dylan Bundy tested positive Thursday. Bench coach Jayce Tingler will manage the Twins.

WHITE SOX PLACE VAUGHN ON IL >> The White Sox placed outfielder Andrew Vaughn on the 10-day injured list because of a bruised right hand. Vaughn has not played since he was struck by a pitch from Angels righthander Mike Mayers last Friday.