Matzek impresses in Rockies’ 3-2 loss to Brewers

MILWAUKEE (AP) — Rookie Tyler Matzek gave the Colorado Rockies a chance to win — and a glimpse of a promising future.

Ryan Braun was hit by a pitch in the seventh inning that scored a run and had an RBI single in the ninth, lifting the Milwaukee Brewers to a 3-2 win over the Rockies on Friday night.

Matzek went six innings, allowing one run on five hits while striking out three in his fourth career start. It was a better performance than when he lost to Milwaukee in his last start. On Sunday, he allowed five runs on seven hits in 5 1-3 innings.

“He was really good against an all right-handed lineup that’s very good,” Rockies manager Walt Weiss said. “It’s a tough assignment for a left-handed pitcher against that Milwaukee lineup.”

Matzek and Milwaukee starter Kyle Lohse each pitched out of identical jams in the fourth.

Matzek had runners at the corners and two outs when Khris Davis hit a sharp line drive that left-fielder Corey Dickerson caught. Lohse also had runners at the corners before Ryan Wheeler flied out.

“It was very encouraging. Tyler’s showing up very well,” Weiss said. “A guy I think can help us move forward here.”

The game turned in the Brewers’ ninth.

Mark Reynolds led off with a single off reliever Matt Belisle (2-3) and advanced on a sacrifice by Jean Segura. Scooter Gennett pinch hit for Francisco Rodriguez (3-2) and was intentionally walked. The runners advanced on a passed ball by catcher Michael McKenry. After Rickie Weeks went down swinging, Braun drilled Belisle’s first pitch up the middle.

Josh Rutledge tied the game when he homered off Rodriguez with one out in the ninth. Rutledge hit a 3-2 pitch that just barely cleared the wall in left for his second homer this season.

Rodriguez was trying to help Kyle Lohse win his third straight start. Lohse has been victimized by five blown saves this season.

He allowed one run on seven hits over seven innings and came within two outs of beating the Rockies for the second time in five days. Sunday, he pitched five innings and allowed three runs on seven hits in the Brewers’ 6-5 win in Colorado.

Rodriguez blew his third save of the season, but still leads the majors with 27 saves.

The Rockies scored a run in the seventh on a sacrifice by pinch-hitter Brandon Barnes that scored Rutledge.

The Brewers went ahead 2-1 in the seventh. With the bases loaded, Adam Ottavino came on to face Braun and hit him with the first pitch.

The Brewers scored first when Lucroy chopped an RBI single over second base off Matzek in the sixth.

NOTES: The Rockies challenged the call when Carlos Gomez was ruled safe at second in the eighth inning. The decision was reversed in less than 2 minutes. . Rockies C Wilin Rosario, who left Thursday night’s game with lower back tightness, missed the game. Weiss said that the injury was not serious. . Rockies RHP Nolan Arenado (broken left middle finger) heads to Triple-A Colorado Springs on Sunday for a rehab assignment. . Troy Tulowitzki’s double in the fourth was his 400th career extra-base hit. . RHP Matt Garza (4-5, 3.20 ERA) faces Colorado’s RHP Jhoulys Chacin (1-6, 4.84) on Saturday.

Copyright 2014 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Federal News Network Logo
Log in to your WTOP account for notifications and alerts customized for you.

Sign up