William Contreras drove in the leading run in the 10th inning and wrapped up with two RBIs as the Milwaukee Brewers triumphed over the St. Louis Cardinals 2-1 on Friday night.
“Tonight, he proved his worth,” commented Brewers manager Pat Murphy about Contreras. “I assure you, he’ll earn even more.”
Contreras hit a single with two outs off Ryan Helsley (1-2) in the 10th inning, bringing in Blake Perkins, who was placed on base automatically, and breaking the 1-1 tie. In the bottom of the 10th, Hoby Milner stopped the Cardinals’ middle order to secure his first save in 242 appearances.
“I’m grateful for where I am and for the chance to get that save today,” said Milner. “And I’m just relieved we won.”
Milwaukee grabbed its second consecutive victory while St. Louis endured its fourth loss in six games, unable to score more than three runs in a game during that stretch.
“We’re battling through it,” said Cardinals manager Oliver Marmol. “We need to score more runs, it’s as simple as that, and tonight was another example.”
The Cardinals eliminated a 1-0 deficit with a two-out surge in the bottom of the ninth. Masyn Winn walked, and Alec Burleson singled, leading to Milwaukee reliever Trevor Megill’s exit. Joel Payamps (1-1) hit Iván Herrera with a pitch, loading the bases before Brendan Donovan drew a walk to even the game at 1.
Brewers starter Freddy Peralta tossed six scoreless innings, striking out seven, walking two, and conceding four hits.
Opposing hitters have a .169 batting average (14 for 83) against Peralta in his first four starts this season. Only San Diego’s Dylan Cease (.130) has a better record in the National League.
Contreras provided the Brewers with a 1-0 lead in the third inning with an RBI double, driving in Blake Perkins, who had hit a double. The Brewers’ catcher has had hits in 13 of his last 14 games.
“We have a strong bond off the field,” said Peralta about his connection with Contreras. “And when it’s time to perform, we just click.”
Cardinals starter Kyle Gibson conceded one run on three hits in six innings. The 36-year-old right-hander has pitched at least six innings in all four of his starts this season.
