Brandon Woodruff made a triumphant return to the mound after a 651-day absence, and Jackson Chourio provided the power as the Milwaukee Brewers topped the Miami Marlins 3-1 on Sunday afternoon at loanDepot park.
Pitching in a big-league game for the first time since September 23, 2023 — also against the Marlins — Woodruff (1-0) was dominant. The 32-year-old right-hander, who underwent right shoulder surgery in October 2023 and dealt with ankle and elbow setbacks this season, allowed just two hits over six innings. He struck out eight, walked none, and threw 53 of his 70 pitches for strikes.
“It’s been a long road, but today made it all worth it,” Woodruff said. “I felt strong and in rhythm. Just grateful to be back with the guys.”
Rookie Jackson Chourio backed Woodruff with all three of Milwaukee’s RBIs. After Christian Yelich legged out an infield single in the third inning and stole his 13th base of the season, Chourio blasted a 1-1 pitch from Marlins starter Edward Cabrera over the left field wall for his 15th home run of the season, putting the Brewers up 2-0.
Yelich, who extended his on-base streak to 19 games, set the table for Chourio again in the eighth when Milwaukee padded its lead to 3-1 on Chourio’s sacrifice fly.
Miami’s lone run came off the bat of rookie Heriberto Hernandez, who accounted for both hits off Woodruff. After singling in the third, Hernandez led off the fifth with his third home run of the season to cut Milwaukee’s lead to 2-1.
Cabrera (3-3) was sharp in the loss for Miami. The right-hander gave up just two runs on three hits over seven innings, striking out five and walking one. He had blanked the Twins on two hits over seven innings in his previous start.
The Brewers improved to 3-3 on their six-game road trip. Trevor Megill pitched a perfect ninth for his 20th save in 23 chances.
The game also featured a moment of celebration for Marlins history. Legendary manager Jim Leyland, who led the franchise to its first World Series title in 1997, was inducted into the Marlins’ Wall of Fame during a pregame ceremony. Leyland received a standing ovation from the crowd and warm applause from both dugouts.
The Marlins (40-48) head to Cincinnati to begin a four-game series against the Reds on Monday. They have not announced a starting pitcher for the opener, but will face Reds right-hander Brady Singer (7-6, 4.36 ERA).
The Brewers (50-40) return home to open a three-game set against the Los Angeles Dodgers. Freddy Peralta (9-4, 2.91 ERA) will take the mound in Monday’s opener.
