The Milwaukee Brewers have a long ways to go before chasing down the NL Central Division leading Chicago Cubs but they got a big performance from Chase Anderson in a 4-2 series opening victory at Miller Park Tuesday night.
Anderson, just 1-5 coming into the game, was perfect through five innings, he took a no-hitter into the 8th and came within one strike of a complete game shutout.
A sixth inning walk spoiled the perfect game but Anderson recovered and got throught seven unscathed. Ben Zobrist led off the 8th with a ringing double to the centerfield wall to wipe out the no-hit bid. In the 9th, Anderson was up 0-2 on Jeremy Hayward who took the next pitch over the wall to ruin the shutout. When Kris Byrant tagged Anderson for a back to back homer, Chase was chased from the game.
JeremyJeffress recorded the final out for his 11th save.
Milwaukee’s offense was highlighted by Jonathan Lucroy who hit his third homer in as many games to give the Brewers a 1-0 lead. The Crew knocked out Kyle Hendricks with three runs in the 6th, Chris Carter delivering a two run double.
The only no hitter in Brewers franchise history was thrown by Juan Nieves in 1987.
Milwaukee (17-22) will send Jimmy Nelson to the mound against John Lackey in game two of the series Wednesday night. Pre-game coverage begins at 6:35 PM on WTAQ.
