Bryan De La Cruz, Jake Burger help Marlins score early in 6-2 win over Brewers

By STEVE MEGARGEE

MILWAUKEE (AP) — Bryan De La Cruz and Jake Burger hit home runs off Freddy Peralta in the first inning to give the Miami Marlins a 6-2 victory over the Milwaukee Brewers on Friday night.

Miami’s Josh Bell also homered in the ninth against Janson Junk for his 1,000th career hit. Rhys Hoskins homered for Milwaukee.

The Marlins jumped out to a 5-0 lead through the first two innings and held on to the lead the rest of the way, despite leaving 10 runners on base. Although Miami entered Friday’s game with the worst record in the National League, the Marlins (38-66) are 5-3 since the All-Star break and have won three of their last four.

After Jazz Chisholm walked to start the game, De La Cruz hit a one-out single into the left-field stands for his team-best 18th home run. Two batters later, Burger also hit a single into the left-field stands.

Burger and Bell each hit their 13th home run of the season, tying Chisholm for second on the team.

The Marlins took advantage of Milwaukee’s sloppiness to score two unearned runs in a second-inning rally that began with two outs and no one on base.

After Nick Fortes singled and advanced to second on a wild pitch, Peralta walked Chisholm and Xavier Edwards to load the bases. De La Cruz then hit a bouncer that shortstop Willy Adames missed before throwing to first base.

Two runs were scored on Adames’ error, with Chisholm coming home from second base.

Hoskins hit a solo shot in the third inning for his 16th home run, tying Adames for the Brewers’ team lead. William Contreras hit a leadoff double and scored on a sacrifice bunt by Gary Sanchez in the fourth inning to cut Miami’s lead to 5-2.

But the Brewers couldn’t get any closer.

Miami’s Trevor Rogers (2-9) struck out just one batter but allowed just two runs on six hits in 5 1/3 innings to earn his first win since May 15. Anthony Bender, Huascar Brazobán and Tanner Scott combined for 3 2/3 scoreless innings of relief.

Peralta (6-6) allowed five runs, three earned, and six hits in 5 1/3 innings. He struck out four batters and tied his season high with five walks.

YELICH UPDATE

Brewers manager Pat Murphy said outfielder Christian Yelich will inevitably need surgery at some point, but added, “I really believe” the three-time All-Star will play again this season. Yelich is on the injured list with a back problem for the second time this season.

“He’s obviously going to have to have surgery,” Murphy said. “Anything he does between now and then is a bonus. I think he definitely wants to play.”

Yelich said Thursday at his annual charity event that no surgery is planned at this point as he attempts to return to action this season. Yelich was placed on injured reserve Wednesday.

MARLINS MOVE

The Marlins recalled left-handed pitcher Austin Kitchen and right-handed pitcher Emmanuel Ramirez from Triple-A Jacksonville and sent right-handed pitcher Roddery Muñoz to Jacksonville.

TRAINERS’ ROOM

Brewers left-handed pitcher Rob Zastryzny was placed on the 15-day disabled list, retroactive to Thursday, with left elbow tendinitis. The Brewers recalled Junk from Triple-A Nashville.

FOLLOWING

Right-handed pitcher Max Meyer (2-0, 2.12 ERA) starts for the Marlins and right-handed pitcher Aaron Civale (2-7, 5.17 ERA) pitches for the Brewers Saturday night.