Brewers overpower Nationals for 6th straight win

MILWAUKEE — Christian Yelich hit his major leading-leading 16th home run and the Milwaukee Brewers won their sixth straight game, beating the Washington Nationals 7-3 on Wednesday.

The Nationals lost all three at Miller Park, marking the first time they’ve been swept this season, and have dropped four in a row overall.

Washington loaded the bases with one out in the ninth inning, but Josh Hader struck out pinch-hitter Kurt Suzuki and Adam Eaton for his 10th save in 10 chances.

Mike Moustakas and Manny Pina also connected for Milwaukee, which leads the National League with 65 home runs.

Yelich’s solo homer came on the fourth pitch of the game from Jeremy Hellickson (2-1). The reigning NL MVP finished with three hits and scored twice.

The Brewers took advantage of Washington misplays to make it 4-0 in the first inning. After third baseman Anthony Rendon made an error on Mike Moustakas’ grounder and Hellickson walked Ryan Braun, left fielder Adam Eaton overran a towering flyball by Eric Thames that dropped a few feet into fair territory and bounced into the seats for a ground-rule double, scoring Moustakas.

Orlando Arcia added a two-run single, with Thames reaching the plate when right fielder Victor Robles‘ throw sailed over the head of catcher Yan Gomes.

Moustakas hit a two-run homer for a 6-0 in the second. Pina connected in the fifth for his first home run of the season.

Brandon Woodruff (5-1) struck out a career-high nine while notching his third straight win. He gave up one run in six innings.

The Nationals made it 7-3 with two runs in the seventh off Matt Albers. Wilmer Difo had an RBI single and later scored on a sacrifice fly by pinch-hitter Howie Kendrick.

TRAINER’S ROOM

Nationals: OF Juan Soto (back spasms) is expected to return from the injured list on Saturday, manager Dave Martinez said ..Hellickson needed a few minutes to gather himself after hitting a foul ball off his left ankle during an at-bat in the third.

UP NEXT

Nationals: Thursday against the Dodgers in Los Angeles. Patrick Corbin (2-1, 3.71 ERA) gave up three runs in six innings in his last start, May 4 at Philadelphia.

Brewers: Friday in Chicago against the Cubs. Gio Gonzalez (0-0, 2.61 ERA) makes his third start since being signed as a free agent on April 27. He gave up one run in 5 innings in his last start, May 4 against the Mets in Milwaukee.