MILWAUKEE -- Journeyman catcher Erik Kratz's surprising power surge continued Monday against a pitcher who has given the Brewers more trouble than any other in recent seasons.
Kratz ended Cubs left-hander Jose Quintana's streak of 26 consecutive scoreless innings against the Brewers by connecting for a solo home run in the third inning of Milwaukee's 7-2, 11-inning loss at Miller Park. After hitting one home run in 117 Major League plate appearances over the past three seasons, Kratz hit three in his first 23 plate appearances with the Brewers.
Milwaukee acquired him from the Yankees for future considerations on May 25, hoping for an upgrade over slumping backup catcher Jett Bandy. Kratz, who turns 38 on Friday, has provided just that, notching hits in each of his first six Brewers starts, including home runs in his debut on May 26 against the Mets and June 2 against the White Sox.