The Comeback Kid

From: Saturday, July 2, 2011
Brewers 8, Twins 7
W: Saito (1-1) L: Capps (2-4) SV: Axford (21)

The Brewers saved their best game of the season for when they needed it most.

Just when it seemed like nothing good could happen for Milwaukee, they pull a victory out of thin air. With Ryan Braun sitting out with an injury, Milwaukee needed to have a big game. Nyjer Morgan had arguably his best as a Brewer with three runs, three hits, and four RBIs. Included in this was a home run. It was a great birthday gift that he could give himself as well as the team.

Chris Narveson had a lousy start as he gave up seven earned runs on 14 hits in 4.2 innings pitched. Thanks to Milwaukee's offense and a fresh off the disabled list Takashi Saito, the Brewers had a memorable come from behind victory. The best part was that it came in the ninth inning, on the road, against the Twins closer. Now if only every road game could be this easy.

The ninth inning started with the Brewers down by four runs. Yuniesky Betancourt led off with a single and Mark Kotsay followed with a single of his own. With runners at the corners, Jonathan Lucroy singled to drive in Betancourt. After Craig Counsell and Rickie Week both popped up for outs, Josh Wilson replaced Lucroy as a pinch runner. Now it was all up to the birthday boy himself. Morgan smacked a ball similar to his home run shot that looked like it was for sure leaving the ball park. The ball banged off the wall over the head of center fielder Ben Revere for a two-RBI double. With the game all tied up the Target Field crowd grew silent, as the Brewer's dug out went wild. The Brewers then took the lead on a George Kottaras pinch hit RBI single that scored Morgan. The Minnesota crowd was stunned as Morgan went crazy in the dug out.

John Axford captured the monumental comeback with a 1-2-3 inning that gave him his 21st save of the season. This type of game is exactly what the Brewers needed. Not only were they in a slump, but they needed some confidence on the road. They still have one of the worst road records in the league, but this is a step in the right direction.