Murphy goes yard in support of Gonzalez (Nats fall 6-1)

MILWAUKEE - If there ever was a swing that reminded fans of the Daniel Murphy of 2017, it was his line drive solo homer to right field on an 0-1 offering from Brewers starter Jhoulys Chacin to lead off the second inning. It was Murphy's second homer of the season, but demonstrated that Murphy may indeed have found that consistent swing that lifted the Nationals offense last season.

Later in the inning, Trea Turner was called out on strikes on a pitch that appeared low in the zone. Turner argued with home plate umpire Nic Lentz. Hitting coach Kevin Long barked his disapproval from the dugout steps and was thrown out of the game by Lentz. Chacin proceeded to strike out the side.

In the bottom of the second, Travis Shaw singled and Tyler Saladino doubled against Nats starter Gio Gonzalez. With one out, Erik Kratz lifted a fly ball to left field that scored Shaw.

Keon Broxton singled in the bottom of third and stole second base. Gonzalez then recorded three outs in a row, including a strikeout of Christian Yelich to end the threat.

After three innings, the Nats and the Brewers are tied 1-1.

Update: A pair of walks caused Gonzalez trouble in the fourth. Hernán Pérez singled, Kratz grounded into a fielder's choice that scored Shaw and then Chacin singled to score Saladino. But Gonzalez managed to record the final two outs of the inning, one a play at the plate that caught Pérez.

After four innings, the Brewers lead 3-1.

Update II: In the sixth inning with bases loaded against Sammy Solís, Christian Yelich lined a bouncing chopper down the first base line past the glove of Ryan Zimmerman. The triple scored three runs.

Gonzalez finished 5 2/3 innings, allowing five runs on six hits with five walks and five strikeouts. He threw 107 pitches, 64 for strikes.

After six innings, the Brewers lead the Nats 6-1.

Update III: In the ninth against Brewers reliever Jacob Barnes, Murphy grounded out. Turner struck out. Matt Wieters walked. Pinch-hitter Matt Adams flew out to center field to end the game.

Final score: Brewers 6, Nats 1.

The Nats again fall below .500 at 49-50.