Dodgers fall to Brewers as Justin Wrobleski comes back to earth

MILWAUKEE –– For most of the year, Justin Wrobleski’s starts have almost all followed the same script.Attack the zone.Pitch to contact.

Limit damage.Breeze through quick innings.On Friday night in Milwaukee, however, the Dodgers’ left-hander faced a contact-minded Brewers lineup uniquely adept at neutralizing his skill set.And in a 5-1 loss at American Family Field, it led to the longest inning of Wrobleski’s breakout campaign.In a nightmarish bottom of the first that dragged on for more than 15 minutes, Wrobleski gave up four runs on six hits and a walk, forcing him to face 10 batters and throw 38 pitches.“They put the ball in play and they were hits,” Wrobleski said.

“That’s just kind of how it goes.”The Brewers got their game-opening –– and back-breaking –– rally started quickly.Jackson Chourio snuck a ground ball through the infield for a leadoff single.

Brice Turang followed with a line-drive knock to center.Then, William Contreras ambushed a first-pitch slider on the inside corner for a towering three-run homer deep to left field.“Hindsight is 20-20,” Wrobleski said, “but probably not a great spot for it.” California's top news, sports and entertainment delivered to your inbox every day.

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Never miss a story Just like that, Wrobleski had already allowed his second-most runs in a start this season.The grind would only continue from there, too.With one out, Andrew Vaughn, Jake Bauers and Luis Rengifo struck together three more singles to load the bases.

After a Sal Frelick sacrifice fly, Wrobleski walked No.9 hitter Joey Ortiz to juice the bags again.“(It’s a tough matchup when) you get a guy that’s typically been putting the ball in play against a team that does that,” manager Dave Roberts said.

“But the thing I think with Justin is he’s still been able to manage t...