Yelich, Brewers get to Kershaw in 4-2 win over Dodgers

MILWAUKEE (AP) – Christian Yelich hit a tying homer off Clayton Kershaw in a three-run sixth inning, and the Milwaukee Brewers snapped a seven-game losing streak with a 4-2 win Saturday night over the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Brewers reliever Josh Hader struck out four in two scoreless innings during his first appearance since Hader’s racist and homophobic tweets surfaced during the All-Star Game. Hader, who has apologized for the years-old social media messages, received an ovation from the crowd after he was introduced, with many fans at Miller Park standing.

Hader’s work highlighted five scoreless innings from the Milwaukee bullpen, though closer Corey Knebel provided a couple of nervous moments in the ninth.

Knebel allowed a two-out single to Logan Forsythe, bringing up the potential tying run in slugger Manny Machado.

Just the kind of big spot made for Machado, who was acquired from the Baltimore Orioles during the All-Star break. But Machado bounced out harmlessly to third to end the game, and Knebel got his 12th save.

The Brewers’ bats caught up to Kershaw in the sixth, when Yelich led off with a first-pitch homer for a 2-all tie. Another run scored on an error, and Keon Broxton added an RBI triple.

Kershaw (3-5) allowed seven hits and four runs in six innings, though only one was earned. He struck out five in taking his first loss since April 25, a span of eight starts.

Milwaukee rookie Corbin Burnes (1-0) picked up his first major league win with two scoreless innings, bailing starter Chase Anderson out of a bases-loaded, nobody-out jam in the fifth. Kershaw was thrown out at the plate trying to score on a wild pitch before Burnes struck out All-Star Matt Kemp and got cleanup hitter Max Muncy to fly out.

Chris Taylor drove in the Dodgers’ two runs with a bases-loaded single in the first.

TRAINER’S ROOM

Dodgers: OF Yasiel Puig took about 30 swings off a tee at the team’s training complex in Arizona on Friday. Puig could return some time during a four-game series at Atlanta, which starts Thursday, if he doesn’t have a setback, manager Dave Roberts said.

Brewers: OF-1B Ryan Braun went 1 for 3 and scored two runs in his return from a stint on the 10-day disabled list for a strained back. … OF-1B Eric Thames (right hamstring) is getting closer to returning after taking batting practice for a third straight day and running, manager Craig Counsell said. … After throwing off the Miller Park mound before the game, reliever Matt Albers (right shoulder) will next pitch in a rehab appearance at Triple-A Colorado Springs.

UP NEXT

Dodgers: Start a left-hander for the third straight game, with Alex Wood (5-5) taking the hill for the first time after the All-Star break.

Brewers: LHP Brent Suter (8-6) makes his first career start against the Dodgers.

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Milwaukee Brewers relief pitcher Josh Hader throws during the seventh inning of a baseball game against the Los Angeles Dodgers Saturday, July 21, 2018, in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/Morry Gash)

Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Clayton Kershaw walks back to the mound after giving up a home run to Milwaukee Brewers’ Christian Yelich during the sixth inning of a baseball game Saturday, July 21, 2018, in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/Morry Gash)

Milwaukee Brewers’ Corbin Burnes tags out Los Angeles Dodgers’ Clayton Kershaw during the fifth inning of a baseball game Saturday, July 21, 2018, in Milwaukee. Kershaw tried to score from third on a pitch that got passed catcher Erik Kratz. (AP Photo/Morry Gash)