The Phillies had no answers for Ryan Braun in their home opener Tuesday.
The controversial Braun connected for three home runs and seven RBIs as the Milwaukee Brewers thumped the Phillies, 10-4, in front of 45,061 at Citizens Bank Park.
Braun, who sat out the final 65 games of the 2013 season on a PED suspension, smacked a pair of three-run homers and a solo homer.
The Phillies played a sloppy game in the field. They have lost two in a row to fall to 3-4. They are 3-8 in 11 openers at Citizens Bank Park.
Starting pitching report
Kyle Kendrick was hit hard. He allowed nine hits, including two of Braun’s homers, and six runs (four earned) over five innings.
Milwaukee’s Kyle Lohse gave up seven hits and walked five, but only gave up three runs over five innings.
Bullpen report
Brad Lincoln allowed a double and hit a batter before giving up Braun’s third homer, a shot to left-center in the eighth.
Milwaukee’s bullpen held the Phillies to just one run in four innings.
At the plate
Milwaukee out-hit the Phillies, 15-9.
The Phillies left 11 men on base.
Braun hit his first three homers of the season. His career numbers against the Phillies are impressive: .392 (69 for 176), 17 home runs, 37 RBIs.
In the field
Braun saved a run in right field with a long run and diving catch of a line drive by Carlos Ruiz in the second inning.
The Phillies made two errors in the third inning, leading to two unearned runs. The Brewers scored another unearned run in the seventh inning when centerfielder Ben Revere dropped a ball at the wall. It was the second game in a row in which Revere has dropped a ball in center. Both miscues have led to runs.
Health check
The Phillies were without Chase Utley. He showed up at the ballpark early in the day and was sent home ill. His status for Wednesday night’s game was unknown. Utley hit .458 (11 for 24) with three doubles and two homers in the first six games. Cesar Hernandez played second base in place of Utley, and Ruiz batted third for the first time in his career.
Freddy Galvis, who has now recovered from an infection, played third base for Single A Clearwater on Tuesday and could be back with the big club during the homestand.
Hamels update
Cole Hamels could be back in two weeks (see story).
Saturday’s starter
The Phillies are unsure who will start Saturday’s game against Miami. Jonathan Pettibone, Jeff Manship and David Buchanan are the candidates. Buchanan started for Triple A Lehigh Valley on Tuesday night so that could limit his chance of getting the nod.
Up next
The Phillies and Brewers continue their series Wednesday night. Roberto Hernandez (1-0, 3.38) and Matt Garza (0-1, 1.13) are the starting pitchers.