Rhys Hoskins leads the Brewers to a 2-1 victory over the Diamondbacks with a home run

PHOENIX – The next nine games will answer some crucial questions for the Milwaukee Brewers.

As a week-long series against potential playoff opponents began Friday night at Chase Field, the Brewers began their response in encouraging fashion, defeating the Arizona Diamondbacks 2-1 in a game that was both played and managed as if it were taking place three weeks later.

Both teams sent their best pitchers out of the bullpen. Later scoring opportunities were rare. Many big throws were thrown.

Ultimately, it was Rhys Hoskins' two-run homer in the fourth inning that made the difference. Hoskins' hit was the Brewers' only hit with a runner on base in 16 at-bats until Joey Ortiz hit a two-out double in the ninth inning, part of another quiet showing from an offense that's flagging at the wrong time of year.