PHILADELPHIA (AP) - Ryan Braun spoiled Ryne Sandberg’s first home opener as manager of the Phillies.
Braun hit three home runs and tied a franchise record with seven RBIs to lead the Milwaukee Brewers over Philadelphia 10-4 Tuesday.
Sandberg, the Hall of Fame second baseman, replaced Charlie Manuel last August. The new skipper enjoyed the festive atmosphere while it lasted Tuesday.
“It was a big thrill with the big crowd,” Sandberg said. “It’s done right here in Philadelphia. It’s an exciting day but it was short-lived.”
It was 1-all when Braun made the defensive play of the game. He saved two runs with a diving catch on Carlos Ruiz’s sinking liner to right to end the second inning. Then he hit a three-run shot in the top of the third.
“It was a huge momentum change within two sides of an inning,” Sandberg said.
Kyle Kendrick (0-1) allowed six runs - four earned - and nine hits in five innings. He served up two of Braun’s homers.
“My command was off,” Kendrick said. “I was up in the zone a lot, got behind in some counts.”
Coming off a three-game sweep of the World Series champion Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park, the Brewers won their fourth straight game and improved to 5-2.
Kyle Lohse (1-1) allowed three runs and seven hits in five innings, walking five.
The game was scheduled for Monday afternoon, but was postponed Sunday because of a rainy forecast. It was sunny and 62 degrees at first pitch, but windy enough to cancel the Navy parachuters who deliver ceremonial baseballs. Former Phillies pitcher Jamie Moyer, now a broadcaster, threw out the first pitch. It was brought to him by his boyhood idol, Hall of Famer pitcher Steve Carlton.
The Phillies could’ve used them on the mound against the Brewers.
Braun came in with only three singles in 20 at-bats this season.
But the 2011 NL MVP, who is bothered by a right thumb injury, felt just fine - as usual - in Philadelphia. He has 10 homers and 21 RBIs in 20 career games at Citizens Bank Park.
Braun was booed in his first game in Philly since serving a 65-game suspension for violations of Major League Baseball’s drug agreement and labor contract. He also got an earful last week in Boston.
It didn’t bother him.
“It’s very motivating,” Braun said. “It’s nothing new for me.”
He hit a three-run shot to left to put the Brewers up 4-1 in the third, ending his streak of 98 plate appearances without a homer. He hadn’t hit one since May 22, 2013, against the Dodgers. Braun’s solo homer in the fourth made it 6-1. He then launched a three-run drive off Brad Lincoln in the eighth.
“Braun had a great all-around game,” Ryan Howard said.
Jimmy Rollins had an RBI double in the fourth and an RBI single in the sixth to get the Phillies to 6-4.
Five-time All-Star second baseman Chase Utley wasn’t at the ballpark because of the flu. He was replaced in Philadelphia’s lineup by rookie Cesar Hernandez.
A sellout crowd of 45,061 enjoyed the pregame festivities that included the traditional mini-parade that leads players into the ballpark from the street behind the stands in left-center field. Players and coaches walked in, mingled with the crowd and high-fived fans lined up along the red carpet in the outfield.
NOTES: Phillies LHP Cole Hamels said he could be ready to join the rotation after two more rehab starts in the minors. Hamels, the 2008 World Series MVP, was slowed by shoulder discomfort in spring training. He’s scheduled to pitch Friday night for Class-A Clearwater. … Rollins already has eight RBIs, one more than he had last April. … RHP Matt Garza (0-1, 1.13 ERA) takes the mound for the Brewers on Wednesday night. Roberto Hernandez (1-0, 3.38) goes for Philadelphia. Garza is 2-1 with a 1.30 ERA in five career starts against the Phillies. Hernandez will make his first start vs. Milwaukee.
Please read our comment policy before commenting.