Big lead does not hold up in loss

From: Sunday, July 3, 2011
Twins 9, Brewers 7
W: Dumatrait (1-1) L: Loe (2-7) SV: Perkins (1)

The Brewers got a six run lead but Grienke could not do any damage control.

Fresh off their best game of the season, Milwaukee decided to follow it up with possibly one of their worst of the year.

Zack Grienke got the run support he needed but just could not hold on to it. He pitched six innings and allowed five runs, four earned, on five hits. He struck out nine batters but allowed two home runs. His ERA is 5.66, worst among Brewer starters, and not getting any better.

After scoring one run in the third off of Mark Kotsay's monumental blast for his first home run as a Brewer, Milwaukee's offense got it going in the fourth inning. Nyjer Morgan led off the inning with a single to center field. After a throwing error, Morgan made his way to third base. Following Corey Hart's infield pop-up, the Twins elected to intentionally walk Prince Fielder. Mat Gamel hammered a ball to left field for an RBI double. Yuniesky Betancourt singled up the middle to score Fielder. Mark Kotsday followed with a rocket down the right field line that cleared the bases. He ended up at third base for his first triple as a Brewer. Jonathan Lucroy capped the inning off with a single to score Kotsay.

After all the commotion the Brewers made, it seemed all they had to do was right this one out to an easy victory. Unfortunately, nothing comes easy in the game of baseball. Grienke reluctantly gave up a three-run home run to Rene Tosoni, closing the gap on the Brewers. He would surrender another run in the bottom of the fifth inning.

Rickie Weeks banged a ball to left field for his 15th homer of the season, which gave the Brewers some breathing room in the bottom of the sixth inning.

Regrettably, Braddock and Loe allowed two earned runs each to squander the Brewers lead. It was a tough game to watch considering how much was at stake. It seemed to be Milwaukee's way of getting out of their road slump and into a groove that they can take with them after the All-Star break.