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Pitcher Brent Suter homers for first time as major leaguer, lifts Milwaukee Brewers to win

The Brewers’ Nick Franklin reacts after injuring his leg during the fourth inning against the Cleveland Indians on Tuesday in Milwaukee. (AP photo)

MILWAUKEE — Pitcher Brent Suter hadn’t hit a home run since high school.

Imagine his surprise and delight when he went deep on AL Cy Young Award winner Corey Kluber.

This wasn’t just a shot that curled around the foul pole, but a no-doubter to center that went 433 feet.

Suter also threw 4 2/3 innings of two-run ball after coming in for injured starter Wade Miley to lead the Milwaukee Brewers to a 3-2 win on Tuesday night over the Cleveland Indians.

“It’s a crazy night, but at the same time that’s what I’m there for. I’m there as that long guy in the bullpen to … pick up the team when the starter goes down early,” Suter said.

The Brewers' Ryan Braun flips his bat after striking out during the third inning against the Cleveland Indians on Tuesday in Milwaukee. (AP photo)

But homering off one of the best pitchers in the game is not part of his job description.

“I mean, Brent is a strong dude, man,” manager Craig Counsell said.

Suter hit the first pitch thrown by Kluber in the third, a sinker, to center for the first homer of his professional career. It was the first home run given up by Kluber to a pitcher in his eight years with the Indians.

Teammates greeted Suter, who goes by the nickname “Raptor,” with raptor noises when he got to the giddy dugout. They threw confetti.

Kluber (5-2) had his five-start winning streak snapped after allowing five hits and three runs over six innings. He has given up eight homers over his past four games.

Suter (2-2) had an eventful night on the mound too, allowing five hits, including solo homers to Jose Ramirez and Francisco Lindor, and struck out five in handing Cleveland its fourth straight loss.

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