Newcomer Gerardo Parra snapped a 3-3 tie in the 7th with a home run, giving the Milwaukee Brewers a 4-3 win over the San Francisco Giants in the series opener at Miller Park. It’s not only Parra’s first home run with the Brewers, but his first hit as well.
One inning later, Parra’s sliding catch helped the Brewers keep the Giants off the scoreboard, helping to preserve Jimmy Nelson’s (2-2) second victory for the Brewers this season. Nelson allowed Pablo Sandoval’s 3-run homer in the sixth inning. He worked seven innings and allowed those three runs on six hits while walking one and striking out five.
With two outs in the ninth, Brewers closer Francisco Rodriguez walked Hunter Pence. Joe Panik then bounced to second baseman Rickie Weeks, who was shielded on the play by Pence before making the throw to first. Roenicke challenged the safe call by first base umpire Hal Gibson, which was overturned after a review.
AUDIO: Ron Roenicke on the call that ended the game :11
Parra may not have even started the game for the Brewers if Khris Davis hadn’t woke up earlier.
Will Smith and Jeremy Jeffress combined to hold the Giants down in the 8th. Francisco Rodriguez earned his 33rd save of the season in the 9th.
The Brewers needed the win to stay a game in front of the St. Louis Cardinals atop the NL Central. Yovani Gallardo pitches game two of the series for the Brewers tonight.
