Kyle Harrison outduels Skenes, but exits early in Brewers

Aug 5, 2026; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Brewers pitcher Kyle Harrison (52) looks in for the sign during the fourth inning against the Pittsburgh Pirates at American Family Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

The highly-anticipated return of Kyle Harrison to the Milwaukee Brewers rotation went as well as anyone could have imagined. Through five innings, Harrison blew the doors off the Pirates hitters, allowing just one hit, a single, and striking out 10, including each of the last eight batters he faced.

And then, as Harrison went out to warm up for the 6th, everything came to a screeching halt. Harrison was clearly in some discomfort as he called for the athletic trainer and ultimately exited the game after five innings and just 69 pitches.

Shortly thereafter, the Brewers announced that Harrison exited the game with cramping in both calves.

“Thought I could manage go out for the 6th, but threw those warm up pitches and the body was telling me it’s locking up” Kyle Harrison said.

That brings a welcome sigh of relief for the Brewers after Harrison was just activated from the IL after missing nearly a month with a forearm issue.

On the offensive side, the Brewers missed a golden opportunity in the first inning against Paul Skenes. Brice Turang drew a leadoff walk, advanced to second on a wild pitch and advanced to third on a deep flyout from Jackson Chourio. With the infield drawn in and one out, Garrett Mitchell struck out looking on a ball that was clearly off the plate, but Mitchell opted not to challenge, despite arguing the call. William Contreras then grounded out softly to Skenes to end it.

But the Brewers were able to get to Skenes eventually. In the 4th inning, Mitchell started the rally with a one out walk, then stole second base and advanced to third on a throwing error from Endy Rodriguez. Contreras walked to set up runners at the corners for the embattled Christian Yelich. Yelich delivered with an RBI double to right to put the Brewers on the board.

“That was really special…happy for him. He had two really good at-bats, ran the bases unbelievably. Yeah it was big, it was huge.” Pat Murphy said.

They weren’t done though, as Andrew Vaughn promptly followed with a 2 RBI single that shot through the drawn in infield on the right side. That put the Brewers up 3-0 as they got the crooked number on Skenes. Skenes had to throw 34 pitches to get through that 4th inning.

Skenes was chased after five innings, allowing three runs with four walks. The Pirates went to their bullpen with trade deadline addition Lake Bachar for the 6th and Contreras greeted him rudely with a solo homer into the Brewers bullpen.

First pitch destruction https://t.co/UnSNDkhgHr pic.twitter.com/AiFKsKp0FO

— Milwaukee Brewers (@Brewers) August 6, 2026

The middle of the order combo of Yelich and Contreras has drawn a lot of heat lately, Yelich especially. But both were able to come through in big moments with some big hits. Murphy asked the fans to support Yelich through his struggles and remember what he’s done for the organization. The fans responded with ovations for him in each of his at-bats.

“It was cool to see the support from the fans tonight. It obviously hasn’t been the greatest last couple of months for me, but definitely appreciate that tonight.” Yelich said.

Kyle Harrison gets the win in his return to the mound. The fact that it was just muscle cramps that forced his exit is good news for the Brewers. Yelich and Contreras coming through to plate some runs also is a good sign. The Brewers will look to secure the series victory on Thursday afternoon as Dustin May makes his Brewers debut.

Indexed and credited by AIPROPX. Originating outlet: Yahoo Sports. Open at source →