Postgame: Brewers 4, Dodgers 1

The Brewers defeated the Dodgers 4-1 tonight in the final game of a three-game series. For a full recap and boxscore click here.

THE BARE ESSENTIALS:

Jason Schmidt lasted just 3.2 innings while giving up four runs on five hits. Simply put, Schmidt was no match for the powerful Brewers, who feasted on his mid-80’s fastball and chased him out of the game by loading the bases in the fourth inning.

Ryan Braun, the former Granada Hills High standout, concluded his successful three-day stay in Los Angeles with three more hits and two more RBIs. Braun had six RBIs in the series, and has 18 RBIs in his last 16 contests.

The Dodgers managed just one run in the bottom of the first inning on a leadoff home run by Rafael Furcal, his 25th career first-inning leadoff home run. Furcal has hit safely in 15 of his last 16 games, batting .338 (25-for-74) with 13 runs scored.

Manny Ramirez came up as a pinch hitter with two-on and two-outs in the seventh, but grounded out to second to end the threat.

ETC…ETC:

The Dodgers lost a series to the Brewers for the first time since April 2-4, 2007, snapping a string of four straight series wins.

Los Angeles suffered its first series loss to the Brewers at home since May 30-June 1, 2003, ending a run of five straight series victories.

James McDonald has worked 7.1 consecutive scoreless innings over his last four appearances, lowering his ERA to 4.35 from 5.34.

Juan Pierre made his first start in 10 games, getting the nod for the first time since July 26 vs. Florida.

ON DECK:

The Dodgers open a four-game series against the Atlanta Braves Thursday, sending LHP Randy Wolf (5-6, 3.47) against RHP Derek Lowe (11-7, 4.21).