From: Friday, July 1, 2011
Twins 6, Brewers 2
W: Liriano (5-7) L: Gallardo (9-5)
Carlos Gomez continued his dominance against his former team. After hitting a home run against the Twins when they visited Miller Park last weekend, Gomez was at it again. This time he hit a solo homer in the top of the first inning to give Gallardo some early run support. Unfortunately, the lead did not last long.
Yovani Gallardo gave up five runs, three earned, on five hits in seven innings pitched. The real damage was done by Jim Thome in the bottom of the first. After Gallardo recorded two outs, he allowed the next two batters to reach base. Jim Thome did what he does best and cranked a three-run home run to center field. The Brewers could never recover from it and the game was over right as it started.
Gallardo's numbers this year have been troubling. Prior to this season, in 85 games pitched he has given up four three-run home runs and one grand slam. This season he has already conceded five three-run home runs in 18 games played.
Home runs are not necessarily bad to give up. Yes, they allow runs on the board, but if they are solo shots then they can be easily overcome. The problem is when there are men on base and homers are given up, that is when the real trouble begins. Regrettably, this has been a bad trend for the Brewers this year. Milwaukee pitchers have allowed a staggering 43 home runs with men on base. With these results the Brewer's record will fall and first place will be hard to get back to.
Since Milwaukee has been on a losing streak the past week, St. Louis has decided to take advantage and regain first place. With their fourth consecutive loss, the Brewers fell one game back of the Cardinals as they won their fourth consecutive game.
Good news that can be taken from this game is that Ryan Braun has extended his hitting streak to 21 games with an RBI single. It is the longest active hitting streak in baseball by a wide margin.
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