Brewers fall behind early, can’t come back on former closer Devin Williams in ninth of season-opening loss to Yankees
The Milwaukee Brewers saw the top four hitters in their lineup go 0-for-15, as they fell behind early to the Yankees and couldn’t complete the comeback.
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New York’s Austin Wells became the first catcher to hit a leadoff homer on opening day, as the Yankees scored a run in each of the first three innings and held on 4-2.
Devin Williams, facing his former team for the first time since he was traded in December, came in to close things with a 4-1 lead but loaded the bases on the first three hitters he faced — an Ortiz single, a Collins double and a walk.
After a Turang sacrifice fly to pull within two runs, though, Williams struck out Chourio and Yelich both swinging — though it took 15 pitches to do so.
Freddy Peralta started for Milwaukee and gave up two earned in five innings, striking out eight and walking one on four hits. J Koenig gave up two runs in the seventh that gave NY the cushion it needed for Williams in the ninth.
Carlos Rodón, starting because of ace Gerrit Cole’s season-ending elbow injury, allowed one run and four hits, striking out seven and walking two in 5 2/3 innings to earn the win.