Brandon Woodruff struck out nine in his return from extended rest. Blake Perkins matched his career high with five runs batted in as the Milwaukee Brewers defeated the Los Angeles Angels 9-2 on Wednesday night at American Family Field. Sal Frelick added a three-run home run to help pace the Brewers’ offense as the club improved its major league-best record.
Oddsmakers had Milwaukee listed as a heavy favorite entering the contest, with the Brewers at -210 on the moneyline and the Angels at +175. The run total was 8.5, and the two teams combined for 11, pushing the outcome over the betting line.
Woodruff, who missed last season following right shoulder surgery, was making his first start in 10 days as the Brewers continue to manage his workload carefully. The right-hander was sharp, throwing 52 of his 69 pitches for strikes and allowing just one run on two hits over five innings. He improved to 7-2 on the season while lowering his earned run average.
Milwaukee seized control of the game in the second inning after Angels starter José Soriano left the contest. Soriano was struck on the right forearm by a line drive off the bat of Jake Bauers and exited with one out. X-rays were negative, but he was diagnosed with a forearm contusion and did not return. Reliever Connor Brogdon entered and allowed the Brewers to break open the inning. Perkins delivered a two-run single to left to give Milwaukee the lead, and Frelick followed with a three-run home run to right, his sixth of the season, to make it 5-0.
Perkins continued to add to his totals throughout the night, finishing with three hits and driving in five runs, tying his career best. His production provided ample support for Woodruff and the bullpen.
Los Angeles’ offense was limited to two solo home runs from Taylor Ward, who connected in the fourth and sixth innings. Beyond Ward’s power, the Angels managed little against Milwaukee pitching. Mike Trout went hitless in four at-bats with three strikeouts, leaving him stalled at 399 career home runs. Trout has just two homers since August 6 and none since September 11.
The Angels dropped their sixth straight game, falling to 69-83, while the Brewers improved to 93-59 and have now won four of their last five. Milwaukee continues to hold the best record in the majors as it closes in on clinching the National League’s top seed for the postseason.
The Brewers bullpen handled the final four innings without difficulty, with Jared Koenig and Abner Uribe combining to shut the door.
The series will conclude Thursday with Milwaukee sending right-hander Quinn Priester (13-2, 3.25 ERA) to the mound against Angels left-hander Yusei Kikuchi (6-11, 4.08 ERA). The Brewers will look for a sweep, while Los Angeles aims to halt its late-season slide.