Brewers Beat Dodgers 5-1 in Series Opener with Four-Run First Inning

The Milwaukee Brewers defeated the Los Angeles Dodgers 5-1 on Friday night in the opener of a three-game series between division leaders. The game marked the first meeting between the teams since the Dodgers swept the Brewers in last season’s National League Championship Series.

Milwaukee established control early, scoring four runs in the first inning off Dodgers starter Justin Wrobleski. After back-to-back singles from Jackson Chourio and Brice Turang, catcher William Contreras launched a three-run home run to left field on the first pitch he saw. The Brewers later loaded the bases, and a sacrifice fly from Sal Frelick brought in a fourth run. Milwaukee added a fifth run in the second inning on an RBI double from Andrew Vaughn that scored Contreras.

Brewers starter Logan Henderson delivered five scoreless innings, allowing just two hits and three walks while striking out seven. Relievers Shane Drohan, Aaron Ashby, and Chad Patrick combined to allow one unearned run on one hit over the final four innings. The Dodgers managed only three hits total, with their lone run scoring on a sacrifice fly by Shohei Ohtani in the seventh inning.

With the victory, Milwaukee has won 12 of its...