From Saturday, August 6th, 2011
Brewers 7, Astros 5
W: Narveson (8-6) L: Myers (3-12) SV: Axford (32)
Great offense, spectacular defense, and a shutdown bullpen are what powered the Brewers to victory against the Astros. Prince Fielder went 3-3 with four RBIs, Nyjer Morgan made an outstanding throw from right field to third base to end the game, and four members of the bullpen controlled the last 3.2 innings of the ball game.
Milwaukee scored right away in the first inning to start the game. After Corey Hart and Morgan reached base with back-to-back singles, Prince Fielder crushed an impressive three-run homer down the right field line. The ball hit the tip-top of the foul pole and came slamming back down onto the field.
Chris Narveson pitched well to garner the win but the Brewers offense is what made him stay afloat. Narveson went 5.1 innings and gave up four earned runs on five hits. He allowed two home-runs and recorded four strike outs. This was by far one of his worst performances of the season but the Brewer batters made sure to back their starter up.
After Carlos Lee hit a solo shot in the second to give the Astros their first run of the game, the Brewers came right back to tack on some runs. After Braun and Fielder both singled to lead off the third, Yuniesky Betancourt continued his hitting ways with an RBI double. Felipe Lopez then reached on a fielder's choice that allowed Fielder to reach home.
The Astros countered in the bottom of the inning with three runs of their own on one shot from J.D. Martinez.
With Milwaukee hanging on to a one-run lead, Fielder added some insurance in the sixth inning with an RBI double that scored Braun from first base.
Takashi Saito, LaTroy Hawkins, Francisco Rodriguez came in and pitched three scoreless innings without allowing a single hit to the Astros. Hawkins and K-Rod both received holds.
John Axford entered the game in the ninth with a three-run lead to close the door on Houston. They gave him more trouble than he initially wanted, although he was still able to record his 32nd save of the season with help from the defense.
With one out, Clint Barmes homered to give Houston a chance to comeback into the game. The Axe-Man quickly discarded the home-run and got Humberto Quintero to fly out. Astro newcomer J.B. Shuck then hit a grounder towards Axford who threw the ball over the head of Fielder. Schuck rounded the bases and began to head towards third. Morgan, who is playing right field due to a hand injury that knocked Corey Hart out of the game, threw the ball all the way to third base where Casey McGehee put the tag on the Astro runner to end the game.
Showing posts with label Chris Narveson. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Chris Narveson. Show all posts
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
Thursday, August 4, 2011
Brewers sweep Astros
From Friday, July 31, 2011
W: Rodriguez (4-2) L: Rodriguez (2-1) SV: Axford (31)
Brewers 5, Astros 4
The Brewers have won six straight games at home and they will need all the momentum going into the series with the Cardinals.
Chris Narveson pitched well against a relentless Astro lineup. He surrendered three earned runs on four hits in 6.2 innings pitched.
The Brewers scored first after Felipe Lopez got on base with a single and Yuniesky Betancourt doubled him home. Betancourt advanced to third on a throwing error to set up Jonathan Lucroy. Lucroy laid down a sacrifice bunt for an RBI. The Brewers will score any way they can as they continue to manufacture runs on a nightly basis. It is nice to hit the long ball and get RBIs the easy way, but it is good to know Milwaukee is capable of more than that to win games.
Houston came storming back in the fourth inning when Jose Altuve led off with a double and Clint Barmes followed with a walk. Jason Bourgeois hit a no-doubter to left field which gave the Astros a one-run lead. Narveson got three ground-outs to end the inning but the damage was done.
In the bottom of the fourth, Prince Fielder got the Miller Park crowd back into it with a lead off single. Lopez reached base on a throwing error. Betancourt grounded into a double play that moved Fielder to third. Lucroy hit a clutch double, his eleventh of the year, to tie the game.
The Brewers took the lead in the sixth when Ryan Braun and Fielder hit back-to-back singles. With runners at the corners, Milwaukee took the lead on Betancourt's ground-out to second.
Francisco Rodriguez came into the game to set-up for closer John Axford. With two outs and a runner at second, K-Rod walked Jason Michaels to put the go-ahead run on base. With J.D. Martinez at the plate, Jason Bourgeois and Michaels successfully executed a double steal. With the pressure on, Rodriguez threw a wild pitch that tied the game for the Astros. Martinez struck out swinging, but unfortunately Houston made a late comeback.
The Brewer fans got loud with the big hitters coming up for Milwaukee. Braun did not waste any time as he doubled on a sharp line drive to center field. Fielder followed with an RBI single to put the Brewers ahead. Miller Park erupted in cheers.
Axford closed the game with a strike out and two fly outs. The Axe-Man has been so dominant this season that it is no wonder why Brewer fans are excited when they have the lead going into the ninth. There is not much more you can ask of Axford than what he is doing. The only hope is he continues to command his pitches and put hitters away quickly.
W: Rodriguez (4-2) L: Rodriguez (2-1) SV: Axford (31)
Brewers 5, Astros 4
The Brewers have won six straight games at home and they will need all the momentum going into the series with the Cardinals.
Chris Narveson pitched well against a relentless Astro lineup. He surrendered three earned runs on four hits in 6.2 innings pitched.
The Brewers scored first after Felipe Lopez got on base with a single and Yuniesky Betancourt doubled him home. Betancourt advanced to third on a throwing error to set up Jonathan Lucroy. Lucroy laid down a sacrifice bunt for an RBI. The Brewers will score any way they can as they continue to manufacture runs on a nightly basis. It is nice to hit the long ball and get RBIs the easy way, but it is good to know Milwaukee is capable of more than that to win games.
Houston came storming back in the fourth inning when Jose Altuve led off with a double and Clint Barmes followed with a walk. Jason Bourgeois hit a no-doubter to left field which gave the Astros a one-run lead. Narveson got three ground-outs to end the inning but the damage was done.
In the bottom of the fourth, Prince Fielder got the Miller Park crowd back into it with a lead off single. Lopez reached base on a throwing error. Betancourt grounded into a double play that moved Fielder to third. Lucroy hit a clutch double, his eleventh of the year, to tie the game.
The Brewers took the lead in the sixth when Ryan Braun and Fielder hit back-to-back singles. With runners at the corners, Milwaukee took the lead on Betancourt's ground-out to second.
Francisco Rodriguez came into the game to set-up for closer John Axford. With two outs and a runner at second, K-Rod walked Jason Michaels to put the go-ahead run on base. With J.D. Martinez at the plate, Jason Bourgeois and Michaels successfully executed a double steal. With the pressure on, Rodriguez threw a wild pitch that tied the game for the Astros. Martinez struck out swinging, but unfortunately Houston made a late comeback.
The Brewer fans got loud with the big hitters coming up for Milwaukee. Braun did not waste any time as he doubled on a sharp line drive to center field. Fielder followed with an RBI single to put the Brewers ahead. Miller Park erupted in cheers.
Axford closed the game with a strike out and two fly outs. The Axe-Man has been so dominant this season that it is no wonder why Brewer fans are excited when they have the lead going into the ninth. There is not much more you can ask of Axford than what he is doing. The only hope is he continues to command his pitches and put hitters away quickly.
Thursday, July 28, 2011
Braun, McGehee play heroes in Brewers win
From Tuesday, July 26, 2011
Brewers 3, Cubs 2
W: Narveson (7-6) L: Dempster (7-8) SV: Axford (28)
Chris Narveson and Ryan Dempster competed in a great pitching duel that saw all the runs scored in the first inning.
The Chicago Cubs got ahead early on Narveson when Jeff Baker led off the game with a single on the very first pitch. Aramis Ramirez slammed a two-run homer to left field to give them the lead. It is never a good sign when Brewer's arch-nemesis Ryan Dempster, who has a 15-4 record against the Crew, gets an early run support. It is nearly impossible for the Brewers to get hits against him let alone two runs.
Milwaukee defied the odds in the home half of the first when Corey Hart led off with a double. After Nyjer Morgan struck out in a terrible at-bat, Ryan Braun broke his bat on a soft fly ball that fell in play in right field to score Hart. With Braun sitting at second after his double, Prince Fielder singled on a ground ball that moved Braun to third. After Rickie Weeks was called out on a questionable strike three, Casey "the Cub Killer" McGehee tripled on a line drive down the right field line. Braun trotted home as Fielder hustled around the bases to score from first. The Miller Park crowd went into a frenzy as the Brewers took the lead.
It was now up to Narveson to a pitch perfectly for the rest of the game. Narveson allowed eight hits but no more runs in five innings pitched. He was removed from the game in the sixth after Geovany Soto singled, Marlon Byrd doubled, and Carlos Pena walked. The Brewers caught a lucky break when the Cubs third base coach did not send Soto home on Byrd's double.
With the bases loaded and nobody out, manager Ron Roenicke called on Kameron Loe to get out of the jam. The notorious ground ball pitcher got Alfonso Soriano to hit one right to McGehee who quickly threw home for the force out. Loe then got Darwin Barney to ground to McGehee who turned the double play. The crowd went wild as Milwaukee got out of the mess.
LaTroy Hawkins pitched a good seventh with the only flub coming off a Starlin Castro single. Francisco Rodriguez was in front of the Milwaukee fans for the first time as he pitched a perfect eighth and struck out two in the process. John Axford came in to close the game and ran into trouble when Kosuke Fukudome singled with two outs. He then struck out Blake DeWitt to end the game. It was Axford's 25th consecutive save which ties a franchise record held by Doug Jones, who did it in 1997.
Milwaukee's bullpen was absolutely outstanding and the key factor in the victory. This is exactly what the Brewers need to make a difference in the division. If the bullpen can keep it up and continue to have success, there is no reason why the Brewers will not be sitting atop the NL Central come October.
Brewers 3, Cubs 2
W: Narveson (7-6) L: Dempster (7-8) SV: Axford (28)
Chris Narveson and Ryan Dempster competed in a great pitching duel that saw all the runs scored in the first inning.
The Chicago Cubs got ahead early on Narveson when Jeff Baker led off the game with a single on the very first pitch. Aramis Ramirez slammed a two-run homer to left field to give them the lead. It is never a good sign when Brewer's arch-nemesis Ryan Dempster, who has a 15-4 record against the Crew, gets an early run support. It is nearly impossible for the Brewers to get hits against him let alone two runs.
Milwaukee defied the odds in the home half of the first when Corey Hart led off with a double. After Nyjer Morgan struck out in a terrible at-bat, Ryan Braun broke his bat on a soft fly ball that fell in play in right field to score Hart. With Braun sitting at second after his double, Prince Fielder singled on a ground ball that moved Braun to third. After Rickie Weeks was called out on a questionable strike three, Casey "the Cub Killer" McGehee tripled on a line drive down the right field line. Braun trotted home as Fielder hustled around the bases to score from first. The Miller Park crowd went into a frenzy as the Brewers took the lead.
It was now up to Narveson to a pitch perfectly for the rest of the game. Narveson allowed eight hits but no more runs in five innings pitched. He was removed from the game in the sixth after Geovany Soto singled, Marlon Byrd doubled, and Carlos Pena walked. The Brewers caught a lucky break when the Cubs third base coach did not send Soto home on Byrd's double.
With the bases loaded and nobody out, manager Ron Roenicke called on Kameron Loe to get out of the jam. The notorious ground ball pitcher got Alfonso Soriano to hit one right to McGehee who quickly threw home for the force out. Loe then got Darwin Barney to ground to McGehee who turned the double play. The crowd went wild as Milwaukee got out of the mess.
LaTroy Hawkins pitched a good seventh with the only flub coming off a Starlin Castro single. Francisco Rodriguez was in front of the Milwaukee fans for the first time as he pitched a perfect eighth and struck out two in the process. John Axford came in to close the game and ran into trouble when Kosuke Fukudome singled with two outs. He then struck out Blake DeWitt to end the game. It was Axford's 25th consecutive save which ties a franchise record held by Doug Jones, who did it in 1997.
Milwaukee's bullpen was absolutely outstanding and the key factor in the victory. This is exactly what the Brewers need to make a difference in the division. If the bullpen can keep it up and continue to have success, there is no reason why the Brewers will not be sitting atop the NL Central come October.
Thursday, July 21, 2011
Brewers defeat D-backs in extras
Brewers 5, Diamondbacks 2
W: Saito (2-1) L: Cook (0-1) SV: Axford (26)
The Brewers and Diamondbacks went back and forth throughout the night with both teams having an opportunity to win the game at the end.
Ryan Braun continued his hitting ways as he gave Milwaukee an early lead with a solo shot in the first inning. He just keeps proving how valuable of a player he is to this ball club. It is amazing how he missed the games that he did and is still able to come right back swinging as if no time had passed.
Chris Narveson was outstanding as he pitched his best game of the season. He did not allow a run and only gave up four hits in seven complete innings. Running on all cylinders he was able to throw any pitch in any count.
"Narveson's idol growing up was Tom Glavin," said Brewers commentator Bill Schroeder during the game. "He sure is pitching like him tonight."
It was incredible the way he threw the baseball. Curveballs would start way off the plate and break hard down into the strike zone. The Arizona players looked completely helpless and I am sure they had no idea Narveson was capable of this. If he can pitch remotely as well as he did tonight, the Brewers will be a very difficult team to beat in the five spot.
Manager Ron Roenicke removed Narveson from the game in the eighth inning for Francisco Rodriguez, even though he had only thrown 86 pitches and a complete game was in his sights. Roenicke must have regretted the decision after Rodriguez gave up two earned runs as the Diamondbacks tied the game. One of Roenicke's comments when the Brewers acquired K-Rod was to strap in because he will walk a tight line. Rodriguez proved that by constantly falling behind in the count and allowing the Diamondbacks to get back into the game.
Arizona had a very good chance to make their comeback complete by walking off in the ninth. Takashi Saito came in to pitch for Milwaukee and Justin Upton led off with a ground-rule double. With Chris Young at the plate, Saito threw a wild pitch that allowed Upton to advance to third. Roenicke was forced to bring in a fifth infielder as he has done a few times this season, with zero outs this was a very bold move. Saito was impressive as he got the next two batters to ground out. He intentionally walked Kelly Johnson and then got Sean Burroughs to fly out to end the threat. The Arizona fans were stunned and the momentum had shifted in Milwaukee's favor.
The Brewers did not take long to regain the lead. Mark Kotsay singled and Corey Hart walked to start the inning. After a balk that moved the runners to second and third, Nyjer Morgan delivered the play of the game with a single to right that scored Kotsay easily. Braun then got a single of his own to score Hart. After a pitcher change, Prince Fielder grounded into a double-play. Another pitcher change led to a Rickie Weeks single to score Morgan that gave the Brewers a comfortable three-run lead for closer John Axford.
Axford walked the first batter he faced to give the Diamondback fans hope. He crushed any chance of that as he got a double play and then struck out Willie Bloomquist for a much needed Brewer victory. The win puts Milwaukee in first place by themselves again as they are a half game ahead of Pittsburgh. The Brewers need to continue winning on the road to have a chance of wrapping up the division at the end of the season.
An important note: Carlos Gomez is out indefinitely with a fractured clavicle he suffered during a marvelous diving catch that saved the game for the Brewers. It is a crushing blow to the team as he is an extraordinary defensive player and a key piece to the puzzle.
W: Saito (2-1) L: Cook (0-1) SV: Axford (26)
The Brewers and Diamondbacks went back and forth throughout the night with both teams having an opportunity to win the game at the end.
Ryan Braun continued his hitting ways as he gave Milwaukee an early lead with a solo shot in the first inning. He just keeps proving how valuable of a player he is to this ball club. It is amazing how he missed the games that he did and is still able to come right back swinging as if no time had passed.
Chris Narveson was outstanding as he pitched his best game of the season. He did not allow a run and only gave up four hits in seven complete innings. Running on all cylinders he was able to throw any pitch in any count.
"Narveson's idol growing up was Tom Glavin," said Brewers commentator Bill Schroeder during the game. "He sure is pitching like him tonight."
It was incredible the way he threw the baseball. Curveballs would start way off the plate and break hard down into the strike zone. The Arizona players looked completely helpless and I am sure they had no idea Narveson was capable of this. If he can pitch remotely as well as he did tonight, the Brewers will be a very difficult team to beat in the five spot.
Manager Ron Roenicke removed Narveson from the game in the eighth inning for Francisco Rodriguez, even though he had only thrown 86 pitches and a complete game was in his sights. Roenicke must have regretted the decision after Rodriguez gave up two earned runs as the Diamondbacks tied the game. One of Roenicke's comments when the Brewers acquired K-Rod was to strap in because he will walk a tight line. Rodriguez proved that by constantly falling behind in the count and allowing the Diamondbacks to get back into the game.
Arizona had a very good chance to make their comeback complete by walking off in the ninth. Takashi Saito came in to pitch for Milwaukee and Justin Upton led off with a ground-rule double. With Chris Young at the plate, Saito threw a wild pitch that allowed Upton to advance to third. Roenicke was forced to bring in a fifth infielder as he has done a few times this season, with zero outs this was a very bold move. Saito was impressive as he got the next two batters to ground out. He intentionally walked Kelly Johnson and then got Sean Burroughs to fly out to end the threat. The Arizona fans were stunned and the momentum had shifted in Milwaukee's favor.
The Brewers did not take long to regain the lead. Mark Kotsay singled and Corey Hart walked to start the inning. After a balk that moved the runners to second and third, Nyjer Morgan delivered the play of the game with a single to right that scored Kotsay easily. Braun then got a single of his own to score Hart. After a pitcher change, Prince Fielder grounded into a double-play. Another pitcher change led to a Rickie Weeks single to score Morgan that gave the Brewers a comfortable three-run lead for closer John Axford.
Axford walked the first batter he faced to give the Diamondback fans hope. He crushed any chance of that as he got a double play and then struck out Willie Bloomquist for a much needed Brewer victory. The win puts Milwaukee in first place by themselves again as they are a half game ahead of Pittsburgh. The Brewers need to continue winning on the road to have a chance of wrapping up the division at the end of the season.
An important note: Carlos Gomez is out indefinitely with a fractured clavicle he suffered during a marvelous diving catch that saved the game for the Brewers. It is a crushing blow to the team as he is an extraordinary defensive player and a key piece to the puzzle.
Saturday, July 16, 2011
Brewers struggle in loss
Rockies 4, Brewers 0
W: Nicasio (4-2) L: Narveson (6-6)
The Milwaukee Brewers road record is getting worse by the game. They cannot seem to figure out how to win in other ballparks.
Chris Narveson got zero run support as he surrendered three earned runs on five hits in six innings. He played well but missed a few of his pitches and the Rockie hitters made him pay for it.
With the potent offense the Brewers have, they should be able to overcome three runs. It seems if they were at home this would not have been a problem, but on the road they can easily lose 1-0. This is a major predicament that needs to be addressed quickly before it is to late.
Prince Fielder and Nyjer Morgan were the only two Brewers to record hits with two each. Bad base running and double plays were the reason why the hits did not count for anything. In another sad note, Ryan Braun's 23-game hitting streak came to an end as he went 0-3. His three at-bats consisted of a strike out, ground out, and ground out double play.
If the Brewers cannot improve on the road they can kiss the division goodbye. With four teams in the hunt for the NL Central, it is only going to get harder down the stretch. Everybody on the team is responsible for the losing that is taking place. This means every player and coach must work extra hard to better themselves in order to better the team.
Zack Grienke looks to give the Brewers a much needed boost Saturday night. Hopefully Milwaukee can grasp on to reality and stop the losing before they dig themselves a hole.
W: Nicasio (4-2) L: Narveson (6-6)
The Milwaukee Brewers road record is getting worse by the game. They cannot seem to figure out how to win in other ballparks.
Chris Narveson got zero run support as he surrendered three earned runs on five hits in six innings. He played well but missed a few of his pitches and the Rockie hitters made him pay for it.
With the potent offense the Brewers have, they should be able to overcome three runs. It seems if they were at home this would not have been a problem, but on the road they can easily lose 1-0. This is a major predicament that needs to be addressed quickly before it is to late.
Prince Fielder and Nyjer Morgan were the only two Brewers to record hits with two each. Bad base running and double plays were the reason why the hits did not count for anything. In another sad note, Ryan Braun's 23-game hitting streak came to an end as he went 0-3. His three at-bats consisted of a strike out, ground out, and ground out double play.
If the Brewers cannot improve on the road they can kiss the division goodbye. With four teams in the hunt for the NL Central, it is only going to get harder down the stretch. Everybody on the team is responsible for the losing that is taking place. This means every player and coach must work extra hard to better themselves in order to better the team.
Zack Grienke looks to give the Brewers a much needed boost Saturday night. Hopefully Milwaukee can grasp on to reality and stop the losing before they dig themselves a hole.
Thursday, July 7, 2011
Weeks homers Brew past Reds
Brewers 5, Reds 4
W: Narveson (6-5) L: Bailey (3-4) SV: Axford (23)
Rickie Weeks is getting some early practice in for his home run derby debut. The Brewer's second baseman hit an absolute laser to center field for his 16th homer this year.
Chris Narveson pitched an excellent game as he allowed only two earned runs on seven hits in six innings for his sixth win of the season.
Milwaukee took an early lead on Yuniesky Betancourt's sacrifice fly to score Prince Fielder in the second inning. It was Betancourt's seventh sac-fly on the year which leads the Majors.
Miguel Cairo singled in the third inning plating Red's starting pitcher Homer Bailey after he doubled off Chris Narveson. With the game tied 1-1 in the fourth, Cincinnati's shortstop Zack Cozart recorded his first Major League hit in his first start. Ramon Hernandez singled on a line drive to right field the next at-bat. Cozart raced around third and an unsuspecting Weeks threw an off-target ball home which Cozart beat out for his first Major League run.
The Brewers came storming back when Jonathan Lucroy led off the bottom of the fifth with a single. Narveson added to his already good outing when he walked on four pitches after Bailey became wild. Rickie Weeks belted the very next pitch for his three-run homer that gave the Brewers a two-run lead.
Takashi Saito took care of a 1-2-3 seventh inning as he continues to get back to his old self after his long stint on the disabled list. Unfortunately, that is when things began to take a scary turn.
LaTroy Hawkins came in to take care of the eighth with a 5-2 lead, but the Reds had a different plan. Joey Votto and Brandon Phillips led off the inning with back-to-back singles. With runners at the corners, Jay Bruce hit a rocket that bounced off Prince Fielder's leg. Luckily Weeks was there to back him up and make a great play for the out as, Votto scored. Hawkins got the last two outs, but not without Cincinnati gaining a little momentum.
Closer John Axford came in for the ninth inning with a two-run lead that quickly turned to one as Ramon Hernandez homered on the very first pitch. Yes Milwaukee, the same Ramon Hernandez who hit a rocket against Axford on opening day. At this point Brewer fans have now entered a panic state. This seemed to be a typical Brewers-Reds game where Milwaukee's lead disappears at the end. After Axford got the next out, he walked Drew Stubbs. Thankfully he was caught stealing on a pitch-out, a great call from the Brewer's manager. With two outs, Cairo and Votto both singled to make things interesting again. Axford played it cool and got Phillips to ground out for his 23rd save of the season.
As much of a nail bitter as this was, it was nothing more than a much needed victory against a division rival. It is always good news when our 5th starter gets the win against the potent Reds. Now all we need is Zack Grienke to bring his game tomorrow so we can continue this win streak.
W: Narveson (6-5) L: Bailey (3-4) SV: Axford (23)
Rickie Weeks is getting some early practice in for his home run derby debut. The Brewer's second baseman hit an absolute laser to center field for his 16th homer this year.
Chris Narveson pitched an excellent game as he allowed only two earned runs on seven hits in six innings for his sixth win of the season.
Milwaukee took an early lead on Yuniesky Betancourt's sacrifice fly to score Prince Fielder in the second inning. It was Betancourt's seventh sac-fly on the year which leads the Majors.
Miguel Cairo singled in the third inning plating Red's starting pitcher Homer Bailey after he doubled off Chris Narveson. With the game tied 1-1 in the fourth, Cincinnati's shortstop Zack Cozart recorded his first Major League hit in his first start. Ramon Hernandez singled on a line drive to right field the next at-bat. Cozart raced around third and an unsuspecting Weeks threw an off-target ball home which Cozart beat out for his first Major League run.
The Brewers came storming back when Jonathan Lucroy led off the bottom of the fifth with a single. Narveson added to his already good outing when he walked on four pitches after Bailey became wild. Rickie Weeks belted the very next pitch for his three-run homer that gave the Brewers a two-run lead.
Takashi Saito took care of a 1-2-3 seventh inning as he continues to get back to his old self after his long stint on the disabled list. Unfortunately, that is when things began to take a scary turn.
LaTroy Hawkins came in to take care of the eighth with a 5-2 lead, but the Reds had a different plan. Joey Votto and Brandon Phillips led off the inning with back-to-back singles. With runners at the corners, Jay Bruce hit a rocket that bounced off Prince Fielder's leg. Luckily Weeks was there to back him up and make a great play for the out as, Votto scored. Hawkins got the last two outs, but not without Cincinnati gaining a little momentum.
Closer John Axford came in for the ninth inning with a two-run lead that quickly turned to one as Ramon Hernandez homered on the very first pitch. Yes Milwaukee, the same Ramon Hernandez who hit a rocket against Axford on opening day. At this point Brewer fans have now entered a panic state. This seemed to be a typical Brewers-Reds game where Milwaukee's lead disappears at the end. After Axford got the next out, he walked Drew Stubbs. Thankfully he was caught stealing on a pitch-out, a great call from the Brewer's manager. With two outs, Cairo and Votto both singled to make things interesting again. Axford played it cool and got Phillips to ground out for his 23rd save of the season.
As much of a nail bitter as this was, it was nothing more than a much needed victory against a division rival. It is always good news when our 5th starter gets the win against the potent Reds. Now all we need is Zack Grienke to bring his game tomorrow so we can continue this win streak.
Tuesday, July 5, 2011
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.
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.
Sunday, June 26, 2011
Brewers sweep Twins
Brewers 6, Twins 2
W: Narveson (5-5) L: Pavano (5-6)
Milwaukee beat the Minnesota Twins for their first interleague sweep of the season. It was a crucial win considering who they have to play next.
The Brewers improved their Major League-best 29-11 home record and bolstered their lead in the NL Central to three games. This is the first time since July 2007 that the Brewers are ahead by three games in first place.
Jonathan Lucroy started the fifth inning out with a triple, the first of his career. With two outs, Nyjer Morgan hit a single to right field to score Lucroy. After an error on the pickoff attempt, Morgan made his way to second. Ryan Braun then extended his career hit streak to 17 games after sending a two-run home run to center field that put the Brewers up for good.
With two outs in the sixth inning, Yuniesky Betancourt singled to center field. Lucroy hit a hard double to center which scored Betancourt easily. Brewers starting pitcher Chris Narveson helped his own cause with a double down the third base line to score Lucroy.
Prince Fielder recorded his league leading 68th RBI of the season when he singled in Braun.
Narveson pitched outstanding as he gave up two earned runs on five hits in 6 2/3 innings. His seven strike outs is evidence of how well he controlled the game. The sold out Milwaukee crowd gave Narveson a loud, standing ovation as he walked to the dugout after a pitching change. Just more evidence of the electricity in this town right now. Everyone can feel the buzz, but at the same time, everyone knows that it is to early to get too excited. Nonetheless, Milwaukee has a very passionate fan base and they are not afraid to show their team how charged up they are.
The Brewers travel to New York to take on the Yankees Tuesday night in a battle of first place teams. Zack Grienke will start for Milwaukee as they will face their biggest test of the season.
W: Narveson (5-5) L: Pavano (5-6)
Milwaukee beat the Minnesota Twins for their first interleague sweep of the season. It was a crucial win considering who they have to play next.
The Brewers improved their Major League-best 29-11 home record and bolstered their lead in the NL Central to three games. This is the first time since July 2007 that the Brewers are ahead by three games in first place.
Jonathan Lucroy started the fifth inning out with a triple, the first of his career. With two outs, Nyjer Morgan hit a single to right field to score Lucroy. After an error on the pickoff attempt, Morgan made his way to second. Ryan Braun then extended his career hit streak to 17 games after sending a two-run home run to center field that put the Brewers up for good.
With two outs in the sixth inning, Yuniesky Betancourt singled to center field. Lucroy hit a hard double to center which scored Betancourt easily. Brewers starting pitcher Chris Narveson helped his own cause with a double down the third base line to score Lucroy.
Prince Fielder recorded his league leading 68th RBI of the season when he singled in Braun.
Narveson pitched outstanding as he gave up two earned runs on five hits in 6 2/3 innings. His seven strike outs is evidence of how well he controlled the game. The sold out Milwaukee crowd gave Narveson a loud, standing ovation as he walked to the dugout after a pitching change. Just more evidence of the electricity in this town right now. Everyone can feel the buzz, but at the same time, everyone knows that it is to early to get too excited. Nonetheless, Milwaukee has a very passionate fan base and they are not afraid to show their team how charged up they are.
The Brewers travel to New York to take on the Yankees Tuesday night in a battle of first place teams. Zack Grienke will start for Milwaukee as they will face their biggest test of the season.
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