Homers propel Brewers to victory

Brewers 11, Diamondbacks 3
W: Gallardo (11-6) L: Enright (1-4)

The Brewers hit five home runs and Yovani Gallardo pitched well in a convincing win over the Diamondbacks.

Who would have guessed that everyone in the starting lineup, including the pitcher, would have a hit but Prince Fielder. It is a good sign when the team puts up big numbers and the best player goes 0 for 5. It seems last night was the final straw for Milwaukee as they recorded nearly five times as many hits as yesterday, not to mention eleven more runs. The Brewers know they are a good team and they also know when enough is enough. They are not suppose to get shut out and three hits in a game should never happen, especially when every person on the team can go yard.

Milwaukee got off to a fast start with a five-run first inning. Corey Hart lead off with a monster home run to center field that got the Brewers rolling. Nyjer Morgan then hit a single to left. Ryan Braun welcomed himself back to the starting lineup with a bang. He crushed a two-run homer to left field and slowly jogged around the bases to ensure no injury would take place. With two outs, Casey McGehee blasted a full-count single up the middle and Yuniesky Betancourt followed it up with a two-run slam of his own. Jonathan Lucroy singled to get Gallardo to the plate as the Brewers hit through the lineup.

It was the first time in Arizona Diamondback history that a team hit at least three home runs in the first inning. It was the 15th time in Brewer franchise history to hit at least three homers in an inning.

With the much needed run support, Gallardo gave Milwaukee fans a little scare by giving up two runs, none earned, in the first inning after Betancourt's throwing error. The right-hander settled down as he only allowed three runs, one earned, on four hits in six innings pitched. His six strikeouts were key in keeping Arizona's offense on edge.

The Brewers had a strange, but exciting sixth inning. After Betancourt and Jonathan Lucroy reached base on infield singles, Gallardo attempted to bunt but could not get it down. He worked the count full and drew the walk from Zach Duke. Arizona brought in a new pitcher to get out of the zero out, bases loaded mess. Hart was down in the count 0-2 and came all the way back to draw a walk of his own, which brought home Betancourt. The very next pitch struck Morgan in the right knee to bring home another run as the Arizona fans booed loudly. Carlos Gomez came in the game for Ryan Braun and collected a walk for his 18th RBI of the season. Without the Brewers hitting a single ball to the outfield they added three runs to their lead.

This was a tremendous road victory for Milwaukee as they try to keep pace with Pittsburgh and St. Louis. The Pirates continue to be a half game ahead in first place.

It is extremely important the Brewers build off of this win because it was a complete team success. Any time this type of game happens, the momentum must carry forward and be taken advantage of. Milwaukee now has a chance to put the pressure on the other organizations in the division and continue to win away from Miller Park. Slowly but surely it will happen and when it becomes consistent, the Brewers will be a squad to be reckoned with.