Even though there are no fans in the stands, playoff baseball is a different animal. It is entirely different than what the players have grown accustomed to this season and seasons in the past. Despite Brent Suter being involved in last year’s playoffs, he did not start a game. Milwaukee gave him the ball in Game 1 due to injuries to Corbin Burnes and Brett Anderson. Suter could not handle the bright lights of LA. He walked five batters in less than two innings. Two of the walks led to runs for LA. Those two runs were the difference in the ball game. Brewers drop Game 1, 4-2, and face elimination yet again from the Dodgers.

Player of the Game: Eric Yardley – Man, what an effort here from the 30-year-old rookie. Yardley stepped into the game in the second inning for Suter and made the Dodgers’ offense look silly for 2.1 innings. I’ve wavered on if Yardley is good or not, and I’m ready to check the box that he is in fact, good. Yardley held the water for the Brewers to make this a game versus getting out of hand.

Honorable Mention: Avisail Garcia – Even though the three hits didn’t produce anything, Garcia seemed more comfortable in the five-hole than he ever was leading off this season. Garcia looked great in his four at-bats with two singles and a double. I also loved his energy trying to fire up his boys after every big hit. If Ryan Braun cannot go tonight, my assumption is Garcia gets moved up to the second spot in the order.

One Thing I didn’t like: Injuries, injuries, injuries – Man, this is the worst time of the year for the injury bug to show its fangs, right? Rough stuff for Milwaukee here. Brewers lose Devin Williams to a shoulder issue before the game begins. Then Ryan Braun’s back tightens up during the game leading to Tyrone Taylor hitting second, not Braun. If that was his last game as a Brewer, it’s a shitty way to go out.

Next up: Brewers get one more shot at the Dodgers tonight when they face Clayton Kershaw. The Dodgers lefty’s playoff problems are well documented and maybe a little overrated. But Milwaukee does well against lefties this season. And Brandon Woodruff, who is pitching for Milwaukee, has taken down Los Angeles before. We’ll see what happens here.

Charlie.