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.
Showing posts with label Minnesota Twins. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Minnesota Twins. Show all posts
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.
Gomez strikes first but Brewers fall
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.
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.
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.
Brewer bats break out
Brewers 11, Twins 1
W: Gallardo (9-4) L: Liriano (4-7)
It's about time. The offense finally unleashes what it is capable of and the Brewer's inescapably dominate the Twins. Every fan in Milwaukee has been waiting for a night like this. A night where everything is going right and the Brewers finally beat a team by ten runs.
Four home runs made up half of the run support. Carlos Gomez set off a five-run third inning with his two-run homer to left field. Yuniesky Betancourt hit an inside-the-park home run when the ball bounced off the glove of Twins outfielder Delmon Young, who crashed into the wall afterward. Young sprained his left ankle on the play and had to be carted off. Prince Fielder hit a two-run home run, his 21st of the season, along with his league leading 67 RBI's. Fielder is now second all-time in Brewer's franchise with 213 home runs. Robin Yount holds the record with 251 home runs. Corey Hart tacked on to the lead with a solo shot in the ninth inning for good measure.
Yovani Gallardo pitched a great game, giving up only one earned run on six hits in seven innings for his ninth win of the season. He also had six strike outs giving him a total of 94 on the year. Gallardo leads the team in both wins and strikeouts.
The Brewers guaranteed their first interleague series win of the season and will look to sweep the Twins on Sunday afternoon when Chris Narveson takes the mound.
W: Gallardo (9-4) L: Liriano (4-7)
It's about time. The offense finally unleashes what it is capable of and the Brewer's inescapably dominate the Twins. Every fan in Milwaukee has been waiting for a night like this. A night where everything is going right and the Brewers finally beat a team by ten runs.
Four home runs made up half of the run support. Carlos Gomez set off a five-run third inning with his two-run homer to left field. Yuniesky Betancourt hit an inside-the-park home run when the ball bounced off the glove of Twins outfielder Delmon Young, who crashed into the wall afterward. Young sprained his left ankle on the play and had to be carted off. Prince Fielder hit a two-run home run, his 21st of the season, along with his league leading 67 RBI's. Fielder is now second all-time in Brewer's franchise with 213 home runs. Robin Yount holds the record with 251 home runs. Corey Hart tacked on to the lead with a solo shot in the ninth inning for good measure.
Yovani Gallardo pitched a great game, giving up only one earned run on six hits in seven innings for his ninth win of the season. He also had six strike outs giving him a total of 94 on the year. Gallardo leads the team in both wins and strikeouts.
The Brewers guaranteed their first interleague series win of the season and will look to sweep the Twins on Sunday afternoon when Chris Narveson takes the mound.
The fresh Prince of Milwaukee
From: Friday, June 24, 2011
Brewers 4, Twins 3
W: Wolf (6-4) L: Baker (5-5) SV: Axford (20)
Prince Fielder is putting up numbers that Milwaukee fans rarely have the luxury of seeing for themselves. Usually the only chance of seeing this great of play is watching SportsCenter every day, where some player in a Yankee or Red Sox uniform is doing something special. Fortunately for Milwaukee, Fielder and the Brewers might be doing something phenomenal.
The Brewers struck first when Corey Hart doubled home Fielder. Wolf was pitching excellent into the sixth inning with a two-run lead. Then he hit a brick wall and things began to slow down. After walking Michael Cuddyer and giving up a single to Delmon Young, Danny Valencia hit a first-pitch changeup for a three-run homer, giving the Twins their first lead of the game. Wolf's great game looked like it was about to turn into another loss, something he is all to familiar with this season.
With Rickie Weeks and Nyjer Morgan at the corners, Fielder drilled a liner to right field for a two-out, two RBI double. The Milwaukee fans roared with excitement as the Brewers took a 4-3 lead. The legend continues.
"The man has been extraordinary all season long," said Brewers television commentator Bill Schroeder after Prince hit the go ahead double in the seventh inning.
He has been more than extraordinary. Words can not even begin to describe what he has done this season so far. With Braun and him putting up exceptional numbers every night, fans in Milwaukee have the opportunity to see something incredibly special. In fact, when it is all said and done, we might say this tandem had the best season we have seen in a long time. That's the level they are playing at. I realize it is only June and these guys have a long way to go to be written into the history books, but at the pace they are going it is inevitable.
Brewers 4, Twins 3
W: Wolf (6-4) L: Baker (5-5) SV: Axford (20)
Prince Fielder is putting up numbers that Milwaukee fans rarely have the luxury of seeing for themselves. Usually the only chance of seeing this great of play is watching SportsCenter every day, where some player in a Yankee or Red Sox uniform is doing something special. Fortunately for Milwaukee, Fielder and the Brewers might be doing something phenomenal.
The Brewers struck first when Corey Hart doubled home Fielder. Wolf was pitching excellent into the sixth inning with a two-run lead. Then he hit a brick wall and things began to slow down. After walking Michael Cuddyer and giving up a single to Delmon Young, Danny Valencia hit a first-pitch changeup for a three-run homer, giving the Twins their first lead of the game. Wolf's great game looked like it was about to turn into another loss, something he is all to familiar with this season.
With Rickie Weeks and Nyjer Morgan at the corners, Fielder drilled a liner to right field for a two-out, two RBI double. The Milwaukee fans roared with excitement as the Brewers took a 4-3 lead. The legend continues.
"The man has been extraordinary all season long," said Brewers television commentator Bill Schroeder after Prince hit the go ahead double in the seventh inning.
He has been more than extraordinary. Words can not even begin to describe what he has done this season so far. With Braun and him putting up exceptional numbers every night, fans in Milwaukee have the opportunity to see something incredibly special. In fact, when it is all said and done, we might say this tandem had the best season we have seen in a long time. That's the level they are playing at. I realize it is only June and these guys have a long way to go to be written into the history books, but at the pace they are going it is inevitable.
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)