Brewers fall to Rays at home to suffer first loss of season

Milwaukee, WI — The Milwaukee Brewers’ perfect start to the season came to an abrupt halt Monday night at American Family Field, as Nick Fortes delivered a tiebreaking, two-out double off closer Trevor Megill in the top of the ninth inning, lifting the Tampa Bay Rays to a 3-2 victory.

Milwaukee entered the series opener riding the momentum of an undefeated record, but the club’s offense stalled after an early push. The Brewers managed only two runs against a stingy Rays pitching staff, leaving nine men on base and going 1-for-7 with runners in scoring position.

The defeat also cast a shadow over an already challenging day for the organization. Prior to first pitch, standout outfielder Jackson Chourio revealed that he has been placed on the 10-day injured list with a fractured left hand. Chourio, speaking publicly for the first time since the diagnosis, expressed disappointment but vowed to attack his rehab “day by day.”

To clear space on the 40-man roster for infielder Luis Matos, the Brewers designated left-hander Sammy Peralta for assignment. The corresponding move underscores the roster shuffle required as Milwaukee balances early-season success with sudden injury concerns.

Despite the loss, the Brewers remain optimistic. Christian Yelich’s recent three-run homer fueled a dramatic comeback in Chicago, and Garrett Mitchell’s two-RBI, two-steal performance against the White Sox highlighted the depth of the lineup. On Monday, Mitchell collected a pair of singles and swiped another base, continuing his hot start.

Milwaukee’s starting pitcher fanned 11 Rays in five innings, keeping the game within reach, but the bullpen could not preserve the tie. Megill, tagged with his first blown save of the year, took the loss after Fortes ripped a 96-mph fastball into the left-center gap.

The Brewers will look to even the series Tuesday night, hoping to rebound quickly and protect their early lead in the National League Central.