Betancourt heats up as Brew win

From Friday, July 22, 2011
Brewers 4, Giants 2
W: Marcum (9-3) L: Cain (8-6) SV: Axford (27)

Shaun Marcum pitched outstanding with Yuniesky Betancourt backing him up in a big Brewer's win against the Giants.

Betancourt has been the least productive Brewer starter, playing bad on offense and defense. He swings at every first pitch, strikes out constantly, and has no range on defense. Betancourt has been putting in extra time with hitting coach Dale Sveum to give the Brewers a better second half.

The Giants scored early on a ground out that gave them a one run lead. That did not last long as Milwaukee came storming back in the second. After Prince Fielder singled and Rickie Weeks walked, Betancourt doubled to score Prince with ease. Jonathan Lucroy followed it up with a go-ahead single that plated Casey McGehee and Betancourt.

With a two-run lead, Marcum went to work shutting down the Giants for the next four innings. He gave up a solo shot in the sixth to Aaron Rowand but it would not make a difference in the game. Marcum went a solid seven innings as he only allowed two earned runs on four hits.

Francisco Rodriguez came in to pitch a perfect eighth as he struck out two and got a ground out. John Axford came in to close the game. He struck out Andres Torres, allowed a single to Jeff Keppinger, got Pablo Sandoval to fly out and then got a ground out from Aubrey Huff to record his 27th save of the season.

Betancourt and Lucroy went 2 for 4 with two RBIs each in a much needed road victory.