Brewers Aim to Recover Behind Tyler Alexander Against Tigers

MILWAUKEE, Wisconsin — Milwaukee Brewers pitcher Tyler Alexander is set to lead his team against the Detroit Tigers in a three-game series opener on Monday, April 14, following a disappointing two-game loss in Arizona.

Alexander (1-0, 2.84 ERA) will face Tigers left-hander Tarik Skubal (1-2, 3.78), the reigning American League Cy Young Award winner. The Brewers are looking to rebound after losing 5-2 to the Diamondbacks on Sunday, gathering just 5 1/3 innings from starter Freddy Peralta. The only highlight for Milwaukee on Sunday was William Contreras’ two-run homer in the first inning, which was followed by a complete stall in their offense.

“When you have the lead against two of the best pitchers in the game, you’re expecting to get the win,” Peralta said. “But sometimes things happen. The bullpen couldn’t finish it yesterday and today. I can tell you that we can probably get better from this. We’re going to face a lot of good teams ahead.”

The Tigers also faced a tough round with a 5-1 defeat against Minnesota, managing only five hits and failing to convert on four occasions with runners in scoring position. Despite being swept in their first series, the Tigers have since secured victories in their last four series.

Spencer Torkelson made a mark with a strong performance over the weekend, going 3-for-10 with two homers, four RBIs, and four runs scored against the Twins. “He’s in the middle of the lineup for a reason,” Tigers manager A.J. Hinch noted. “He’s earned his way back into that.”

After struggling in his first two outings, Skubal rebounded impressively with six scoreless innings during a recent 5-0 victory over the New York Yankees, striking out six batters and granting no walks.

Last season, Skubal faced the Brewers just once, allowing one run over 6 2/3 innings, a performance that secured him the win in a 10-2 contest.

The Brewers lost to the Diamondbacks on Saturday, a game which saw a dramatic nine-run rally from Arizona in the final inning, a situation that limited Milwaukee’s bullpen options leading into Sunday’s game. Additionally, Jackson Chourio’s hitless day against Arizona snapped his 14-game hitting streak. Chourio currently leads the team with five homers, six doubles, and 17 RBIs.

Another standout player for the Brewers is Brice Turang, boasting an impressive .333 batting average complemented by three homers and 10 RBIs. However, veteran Christian Yelich continues to struggle with a .143 average and 16 strikeouts in 56 at-bats, while Rhys Hoskins holds a .171 average without a homer.

Alexander, making his fifth appearance and third start of the season, previously allowed two runs on six hits in 3 2/3 innings during a 17-2 win over Colorado. He has a 2.00 ERA in two career encounters with the Tigers during his time with the Tampa Bay Rays.

Despite Peralta’s short outing on Sunday, Brewers starters have collectively allowed two runs or fewer in seven consecutive games and 11 of their last 12.