BOSTON — Kutter Crawford failed to pitch at least 5 innings for just the second time in 11 starts this season.
The Boston righty gave up six runs, seven hits and two walks while striking out four in 4 ⅓ innings, his shortest outing of the season. The Red Sox lost 7-2 here at Fenway Park.
Crawford’s ERA jumped from 2.17 to 2.89. It was just his second time allowing more than three earned runs in a start this year. He pitched at least 5 ⅔ innings in eight of his first 10 starts.
William Contreras crushed a 397-foot, 111.8 mph two-run homer off Crawford as part of a three-run third inning that put the Brewers ahead 3-0.
The Red Sox cut it to 3-1 on David Hamilton’s RBI double in the fourth.
But Milwaukee extended its lead to 6-1 with a three-run fifth inning. Christian Yelich stroked an RBI double to make it 4-1, then Willy Adames followed with a two-run double that knocked Crawford out of the game.
Smith hits first homer
Dominic Smith blasted his first homer of the season. His 410-foot solo blast to center field left his bat at 103.3 mph.
It was Smith’s second multi-hit game since signing with Boston on May 1.
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Rafaela makes Superman catch
Center fielder Ceddanne Rafaela sprinted to his right and fully extended to make a diving catch right in front of the warning track in left-center field on Joey Ortiz’s liner in the second inning.
Ortiz hit it 335 feet with a 91.3 mph exit velocity and 22 degree launch angle.
It had a 35% catch probability.
Hamilton with first three-hit game in majors
Hamilton’s RBI double in the fourth inning wasn’t hit hard. He slapped it 63.9 mph down the third base line, just fair. But he continues to do the job.
He recorded his first three-hit game of his major league career. He’s 10-for-31 (.323) this month.
Saturday’s game
The Red Sox and Brewers will play again at 4:10 p.m. Saturday here at Fenway Park.
Righty Colin Rea, who has a 3-2 record with a 4.07 ERA in nine starts, will start for the Brewers. Right-hander Nick Pivetta (2-2, 3.04 ERA) will start for Boston.
