Breaks Don’t Go Twins’ Way in Loss

Jeromy Burnitz hit a two-run double in a four-run fourth inning and Mark Loretta hit a two-run homer as the Milwaukee Brewers defeated the Minnesota Twins, 7-4, Thursday and ended a three-game losing streak.

Jeff D’Amico (2-2) gave up three runs and five hits in six innings, struck out four and walked two. Bob Wickman followed with two scoreless innings and Doug Jones finished, giving up a run on a wild pitch following Denny Hocking’s triple.

“The breaks that went our way today have gone against us all year, especially on the road,” said D’Amico, who was helped by a great defensive play by second baseman Loretta in the seventh inning. Twin starter Rich Robertson (5-3) gave up five runs and and eight hits in 7 1/3 innings, his longest outing the season. He retired 14 of his last 17 batters.

“A couple of balls we hit were unlucky. It was their day to win,” Minnesota Manager Tom Kelly said. “Give D’Amico credit. The kid has a good future.”

Milwaukee built a 4-0 lead in the fourth inning. Jose Valentin and Mike Matheny singled and Gerald Williams followed with a run-scoring single. Jeff Cirillo’s hit loaded the bases, John Jaha had a run-scoring infield single and Burnitz doubled.

Loretta’s homer was part of a three-run seventh inning for the Brewers.