Brewers 2, Dodgers 1
W: Saito (4-1) L: Kuo (0-2)
The Brewers have now won 18 of their last 20 games and with 39 regular season games to go, a seven game cushion in the NL Central is looking pretty good. At least to the fans they are in good shape.
"We're not anything special yet," said Mark Kotsay after his game winning hit. "We have a lot of baseball left to play."
It is comforting to know that despite their biggest lead in the division this year, the Brewers are still playing like they are chasing someone.
"We can still go after the Phillies," claimed an enthusiastic Nyjer Morgan.
The way Milwaukee is playing there is no doubt in mind they could challenge Philadelphia for the best record in baseball. The most important thing is the team knows where they are at this point in the season and they are complacent with that.
Yovani Gallardo pitched an outstanding game in front of a sold out Miller Park. For the second night in a row a Brewer pitcher eats up eight innings and gives the bullpen some much needed rest. Gallardo only gave up one earned run on four hits and had nine strikeouts to go with it. He now has 142 strikeouts on the season, one behind team leader Zack Greinke. Yovani seemed to struggle a little bit in the early parts of the game, but as the innings built up he seemed to get stronger.
The Dodgers struck first in the second inning when Aaron Miles singled home Matt Kemp.
Milwaukee came storming back in the bottom half of the second. After Jerry Hairston singled and Jonathan Lucroy walked, Gallardo got down a great sacrifice bunt on a 0-2 count. With runners on second and third, Corey Hart hit a ground out to the third baseman whose only out was at first.
Gallardo and Dodger starting pitcher Chad Billingsley both settled down after that. Another run was not scored until the ninth inning.
Takashi Saito pitched a 1-2-3 ninth and for the second time in three days it was good enough to garner him the win.
Prince Fielder started out the bottom half of the inning with a walk. Los Angeles chose to make a pitching change and replace Hong-Chih Kuo with Mike MacDougal. Casey McGehee welcomed the substitution with a single to right field on the very first pitch he saw. The usually free swinging Yuniesky Betancourt put the bat on his shoulder and took four straight balls. With the bases loaded pinch hitter Mark Kotsay smacked the first pitch he saw to center, which fell right in front of the center fielder. For the second time this year Kotsay walked off and made Milwaukee winners.
Showing posts with label Nyjer Morgan. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Nyjer Morgan. Show all posts
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
Brewers comeback to sweep Pirates in extras
From Sunday, August 14th, 2011
Brewers 2, Pirates 1
W: Saito (3-1) L: Resop (3-4)
Nyjer Morgan played hero with a 10th inning sacrifice fly to beat the Pirates for the 36th out of 39th time at Miller Park since 2007. In a game that seemed to be going nowhere, Tony Plush came out and appeared to be everywhere.
Morgan initially thought he hit a home-run and stood at the plate with his arms in the air admiring his "blast." He did not realize that the ball was not going out of the park until his teammates yelled at him to run to first to make the sac-fly official.
After arriving at first base, he was mauled by teammates and coaches as fireworks fired into the air. Morgan stood in the middle of the field and put his hands together in the shape of a "T" while motioning it to the roaring Milwaukee crowd. Tony Plush was out and he was prepared to let everyone know.
Shaun Marcum pitched a great game in a dominating effort. His only blunder was back-to-back doubles in the first inning that scored the only run for the Pirates. Other than that he was outstanding. Marcum gave up five hits and struck out five in 7.2 innings. It is unfortunate the Brewers could not get him the win, but needless to say, it was a winning effort from the starter.
Morgan was involved in another big play towards the end of the game. The only reason the Brewers were in extra innings was because Nyjer reached base in the eighth inning. With pinch runner Jerry Hairston standing on second and two outs, it was all up to Morgan to make something happen. He struck out swinging at a wild pitch in the dirt, but the ball miraculously got away from the catcher. Hairston ran to third as Morgan made it to first safely.
The fans cheered in excitement as Ryan Braun stepped up to the plate.
Braun did not hesitate and hit a line-drive base hit to score Hairston. The game was tied and all the momentum had shifted in the Brewers favor.
Takashi Saito pitched the tenth and got himself out of a bases loaded jam that would be good enough for him to garner the win.
It is important to point out that it was Craig Counsell bobble head day on Sunday. When Counsell stepped up the plate for his first at-bat in the second inning, the Miller Park crowd gave a loud and proud standing ovation in support of their beloved hometown player. Counsell is a tremendous asset and even though he is not having the best offensive statistical season of his career, he is still very valuable to this team. He is by far one of the fan favorites and he is a huge part of the clubhouse as his veteran presence is undeniable. Counsell's defensive contributions are without question an immeasurable benefit as well.
Brewers 2, Pirates 1
W: Saito (3-1) L: Resop (3-4)
Nyjer Morgan played hero with a 10th inning sacrifice fly to beat the Pirates for the 36th out of 39th time at Miller Park since 2007. In a game that seemed to be going nowhere, Tony Plush came out and appeared to be everywhere.
Morgan initially thought he hit a home-run and stood at the plate with his arms in the air admiring his "blast." He did not realize that the ball was not going out of the park until his teammates yelled at him to run to first to make the sac-fly official.
After arriving at first base, he was mauled by teammates and coaches as fireworks fired into the air. Morgan stood in the middle of the field and put his hands together in the shape of a "T" while motioning it to the roaring Milwaukee crowd. Tony Plush was out and he was prepared to let everyone know.
Shaun Marcum pitched a great game in a dominating effort. His only blunder was back-to-back doubles in the first inning that scored the only run for the Pirates. Other than that he was outstanding. Marcum gave up five hits and struck out five in 7.2 innings. It is unfortunate the Brewers could not get him the win, but needless to say, it was a winning effort from the starter.
Morgan was involved in another big play towards the end of the game. The only reason the Brewers were in extra innings was because Nyjer reached base in the eighth inning. With pinch runner Jerry Hairston standing on second and two outs, it was all up to Morgan to make something happen. He struck out swinging at a wild pitch in the dirt, but the ball miraculously got away from the catcher. Hairston ran to third as Morgan made it to first safely.
The fans cheered in excitement as Ryan Braun stepped up to the plate.
Braun did not hesitate and hit a line-drive base hit to score Hairston. The game was tied and all the momentum had shifted in the Brewers favor.
Takashi Saito pitched the tenth and got himself out of a bases loaded jam that would be good enough for him to garner the win.
It is important to point out that it was Craig Counsell bobble head day on Sunday. When Counsell stepped up the plate for his first at-bat in the second inning, the Miller Park crowd gave a loud and proud standing ovation in support of their beloved hometown player. Counsell is a tremendous asset and even though he is not having the best offensive statistical season of his career, he is still very valuable to this team. He is by far one of the fan favorites and he is a huge part of the clubhouse as his veteran presence is undeniable. Counsell's defensive contributions are without question an immeasurable benefit as well.
Estrada outstanding in spot start
From Saturday, August 13th, 2011
Brewers 1, Pirates 0
W: Estrada (3-7) L: Correia (12-11) SV: Axford (34)
Five Brewer pitchers combined for nine shutout innings to beat the Pirates. It was easy going until the ninth, when things got a little intense. John Axford allowed a lead off triple that Nyjer Morgan misplayed in center field. It almost spelled disaster, but the Axe-Man was able to shut it down.
Marco Estrada got the spot start in replace of the injured Chris Narveson, who hurt himself cutting his glove with scissors. Manager Ron Roenicke had to be pleased with Estrada who dominated the five innings that he was in for. Marco felt he could have gone further in the game, considering he only allowed one hit and struck out five, but Roenicke made up his mind that he only wanted Estrada pitching half the game. Needless to say, it was a dominated half. No one could have done better and it was exactly what the Brewers needed.
Yuniesky Betancourt scored the only run of the game in the second inning on a solo shot to left field. Yuniesky dialed in on a 0-2 fastball and crushed it out of the park. A few months ago nobody would have ever guessed the Brewers would win a game with the only offense coming from a Betancourt home run, but now nobody is surprised. We are all witnesses to the talent and now we expect it. The best part is he expects it as well.
It has to be comforting that Roenicke knows he can turn the ball over to his bullpen in a one-run game and be confident they can give him a win.
Saito, LaTroy Hawkins, and Francisco Rodriguez all recorded a hold in this game. K-Rod was the only one of the three to allow a batter to reach base, but he made up for it with two strikeouts. Saito and Hawkins both struck out a batter as well.
The only trouble came in the ninth inning when Axford gave up a triple to Xavier Paul. To be perfectly honest, Morgan should have been able to make the play if he had not overran the ball. Instead of turning around over his left should to make the grab, he continued to look over his right shoulder which gave him no chance.
With zero outs and the Pirates hottest batter at the plate in Andrew McCutchen, Axford really had to concentrate. McCutchen swung at the first pitch and grounded it right to Betancourt, who looked back Paul before making the play at first. On the very next pitch, Matt Diaz grounded out to Jerry Hairston who kept the runner at third before recording the out at first. At this point the Miller Park crowd became eccentric. Axford made things a little more nerve-racking by walking Garrett Jones, but made up for it when he struck out Neil Walker to end the game. The fans went into a frenzy as the Axe-Man garnered his 31st consecutive save.
Brewers 1, Pirates 0
W: Estrada (3-7) L: Correia (12-11) SV: Axford (34)
Five Brewer pitchers combined for nine shutout innings to beat the Pirates. It was easy going until the ninth, when things got a little intense. John Axford allowed a lead off triple that Nyjer Morgan misplayed in center field. It almost spelled disaster, but the Axe-Man was able to shut it down.
Marco Estrada got the spot start in replace of the injured Chris Narveson, who hurt himself cutting his glove with scissors. Manager Ron Roenicke had to be pleased with Estrada who dominated the five innings that he was in for. Marco felt he could have gone further in the game, considering he only allowed one hit and struck out five, but Roenicke made up his mind that he only wanted Estrada pitching half the game. Needless to say, it was a dominated half. No one could have done better and it was exactly what the Brewers needed.
Yuniesky Betancourt scored the only run of the game in the second inning on a solo shot to left field. Yuniesky dialed in on a 0-2 fastball and crushed it out of the park. A few months ago nobody would have ever guessed the Brewers would win a game with the only offense coming from a Betancourt home run, but now nobody is surprised. We are all witnesses to the talent and now we expect it. The best part is he expects it as well.
It has to be comforting that Roenicke knows he can turn the ball over to his bullpen in a one-run game and be confident they can give him a win.
Saito, LaTroy Hawkins, and Francisco Rodriguez all recorded a hold in this game. K-Rod was the only one of the three to allow a batter to reach base, but he made up for it with two strikeouts. Saito and Hawkins both struck out a batter as well.
The only trouble came in the ninth inning when Axford gave up a triple to Xavier Paul. To be perfectly honest, Morgan should have been able to make the play if he had not overran the ball. Instead of turning around over his left should to make the grab, he continued to look over his right shoulder which gave him no chance.
With zero outs and the Pirates hottest batter at the plate in Andrew McCutchen, Axford really had to concentrate. McCutchen swung at the first pitch and grounded it right to Betancourt, who looked back Paul before making the play at first. On the very next pitch, Matt Diaz grounded out to Jerry Hairston who kept the runner at third before recording the out at first. At this point the Miller Park crowd became eccentric. Axford made things a little more nerve-racking by walking Garrett Jones, but made up for it when he struck out Neil Walker to end the game. The fans went into a frenzy as the Axe-Man garnered his 31st consecutive save.
Saturday, August 13, 2011
Brew defeat Cards, win sixth straight
From Wednesday, August 10th, 2011
Brewers 5, Cardinals 1
W: Wolf (9-8) L: Westbrook (9-6)
Randy Wolf dominated the Cardinals and pitched eight innings to give the Brewers their fifth straight road victory.
Once again Milwaukee got on the board first and continued to win when doing so. Corey Hart led off the game with a walk as Nyjer Morgan and Ryan Braun followed with back-to-back singles. Prince Fielder hit a sacrifice fly to center field to score Hart. Casey McGehee walked and the Brewers seemed to be heading for a big inning when Yuniesky Betancourt unfortunately grounded into a double play to end the threat.
The Cardinals came right back with a run of their own when Albert Pujols scored Rafeal Furcal with a sacrifice fly of his very own. It was the only run Wolf surrendered the entire game. Randy only allowed five men to reach base in what was by far his best performance of the season. Although he only had one strikeout, there was great movement on the ball and he was constantly mixing his pitches to fool the St. Louis batters. Wolf's ERA is now lowered to 3.48 and he has been a solid number three for the Brewers impressive starting rotation this year.
Milwaukee took the lead again in the third when Braun scored from second off of Fielder's double. McGehee grounded out and Betancourt made up for his double play in the first when he singled home Prince.
The game did not conclude without some controversy. After Jerry Hairston's base hit, Josh Wilson hit a sacrifice bunt to move him over. Pitcher Marc Rzepczynski threw the ball off target and Pujols had to take his foot off the bag in order to catch the ball. Wilson seemed to get there at the same time Pujols attempted to step on first. The umpire called Wilson safe and Tony La Russa came flying out of the dugout to argue the call. La Russa was quickly ejected and the Brewers made him pay as Corey Hart added some insurance with a single that scored both Hairston and Wilson.
Although Wolf probably could have finished with a complete game, manager Ron Roenicke was not willing to take any chances as he sent in Francisco Rodriguez to pitch the ninth. K-Rod got the first two batters out, but ran into trouble when he allowed back-to-back singles. Rodriguez got Yadier Molina to ground out for the win.
The Brewers send Yovani Gallardo to the mound in the finale in an attempt to get their second straight road sweep.
Brewers 5, Cardinals 1
W: Wolf (9-8) L: Westbrook (9-6)
Randy Wolf dominated the Cardinals and pitched eight innings to give the Brewers their fifth straight road victory.
Once again Milwaukee got on the board first and continued to win when doing so. Corey Hart led off the game with a walk as Nyjer Morgan and Ryan Braun followed with back-to-back singles. Prince Fielder hit a sacrifice fly to center field to score Hart. Casey McGehee walked and the Brewers seemed to be heading for a big inning when Yuniesky Betancourt unfortunately grounded into a double play to end the threat.
The Cardinals came right back with a run of their own when Albert Pujols scored Rafeal Furcal with a sacrifice fly of his very own. It was the only run Wolf surrendered the entire game. Randy only allowed five men to reach base in what was by far his best performance of the season. Although he only had one strikeout, there was great movement on the ball and he was constantly mixing his pitches to fool the St. Louis batters. Wolf's ERA is now lowered to 3.48 and he has been a solid number three for the Brewers impressive starting rotation this year.
Milwaukee took the lead again in the third when Braun scored from second off of Fielder's double. McGehee grounded out and Betancourt made up for his double play in the first when he singled home Prince.
The game did not conclude without some controversy. After Jerry Hairston's base hit, Josh Wilson hit a sacrifice bunt to move him over. Pitcher Marc Rzepczynski threw the ball off target and Pujols had to take his foot off the bag in order to catch the ball. Wilson seemed to get there at the same time Pujols attempted to step on first. The umpire called Wilson safe and Tony La Russa came flying out of the dugout to argue the call. La Russa was quickly ejected and the Brewers made him pay as Corey Hart added some insurance with a single that scored both Hairston and Wilson.
Although Wolf probably could have finished with a complete game, manager Ron Roenicke was not willing to take any chances as he sent in Francisco Rodriguez to pitch the ninth. K-Rod got the first two batters out, but ran into trouble when he allowed back-to-back singles. Rodriguez got Yadier Molina to ground out for the win.
The Brewers send Yovani Gallardo to the mound in the finale in an attempt to get their second straight road sweep.
Thursday, August 11, 2011
Brew defeat Cards in extras
From Tuesday, August 9th, 2011
Brewers 5, Cardinals 3
W: Hawkins (1-0) L: Dotel (2-2) SV: Axford (33)
Casey McGehee and the Brewers defeated the Cardinals in extra innings on the road. If that is not a defining victory I do not know what is.
Don't mind the unfriendly fans and the unpredictable manager who could beam your best player on a whim. The Brewers are not suppose to win the close games on the road, at least that is what the "experts" have claimed. Milwaukee is not capable of beating a high-powered team such as the Cardinals in extra innings in a hostile environment. Yet somehow they band together and are committed to win. It does not matter if it is at Miller Park or away, it does not matter who they are playing, they will find a way to come out on top despite the odds. And that is exactly what they did.
It begins with the starting pitching. Shaun Marcum was not at his best, but that was due to a rolled ankle he sustained while on the base paths. He was also seen clutching his right hamstring after throwing a pitch. The fact that he only allowed three earned runs on eight hits in six innings is a true testament to his strength and determination to do everything he can for this ball club. Considering his mid-game injuries Marcum pitched good, unfortunately it was not good enough to garner the win.
The Brewers scored first with two runs in the second inning. It seems to be a catchy trend with this club, attacking the score board before the opposing team can. It is no wonder they have won their last 13 out of 14 games. With one out, Jonathan Lucroy singled on a line drive to left field. Shaun Marcum moved him over to second on a sacrifice bunt and Corey Hart finished the job with a towering two-run homer to center field. Once again the bottom of the order does their part and the lead off man finishes the job. That is big part of winning ball games this time of year.
Milwaukee added another run in the sixth when Lucroy singled home Felipe Lopez. The Brewers had a two-run lead but unfortunately it did not last long.
The Cardinals came roaring back in the bottom half of the sixth when David Freese scored Matt Holliday with a single. Gerald Laird then tied the game with a single of his own that plated Freese.
Both teams had their chance in the ninth inning to end the game, but good pitching and defense ended any possibility of that.
The Brewers did not waste much time in extras to get things going. Nyjer Morgan started the sequence with a single. After Ryan Braun was called out on a very questionable strike three, Prince Fielder got a base hit to give McGehee runners at the corners. The stage was set and Milwaukee had the right man up at the plate. Even when Casey was struggling, he still managed to finish games off. McGehee crushed a double right over the top of Lance Berkman's head in right field. Nyjer Morgan scored easily as Fielder slid his way into third. Yuniesky Betancourt added an insurance run with a sacrifice fly to deep center that had more than enough to get Prince home.
John Axford came in for the save and got Matt Holliday to fly out right away. Lance Berkman smacked a double to center, which gave the St. Louis fans hope that there might be a comeback in the works. The Axe-Man shutdown any chance of that with back-to-back ground outs to end the game for his 30th consecutive save.
Brewers 5, Cardinals 3
W: Hawkins (1-0) L: Dotel (2-2) SV: Axford (33)
Casey McGehee and the Brewers defeated the Cardinals in extra innings on the road. If that is not a defining victory I do not know what is.
Don't mind the unfriendly fans and the unpredictable manager who could beam your best player on a whim. The Brewers are not suppose to win the close games on the road, at least that is what the "experts" have claimed. Milwaukee is not capable of beating a high-powered team such as the Cardinals in extra innings in a hostile environment. Yet somehow they band together and are committed to win. It does not matter if it is at Miller Park or away, it does not matter who they are playing, they will find a way to come out on top despite the odds. And that is exactly what they did.
It begins with the starting pitching. Shaun Marcum was not at his best, but that was due to a rolled ankle he sustained while on the base paths. He was also seen clutching his right hamstring after throwing a pitch. The fact that he only allowed three earned runs on eight hits in six innings is a true testament to his strength and determination to do everything he can for this ball club. Considering his mid-game injuries Marcum pitched good, unfortunately it was not good enough to garner the win.
The Brewers scored first with two runs in the second inning. It seems to be a catchy trend with this club, attacking the score board before the opposing team can. It is no wonder they have won their last 13 out of 14 games. With one out, Jonathan Lucroy singled on a line drive to left field. Shaun Marcum moved him over to second on a sacrifice bunt and Corey Hart finished the job with a towering two-run homer to center field. Once again the bottom of the order does their part and the lead off man finishes the job. That is big part of winning ball games this time of year.
Milwaukee added another run in the sixth when Lucroy singled home Felipe Lopez. The Brewers had a two-run lead but unfortunately it did not last long.
The Cardinals came roaring back in the bottom half of the sixth when David Freese scored Matt Holliday with a single. Gerald Laird then tied the game with a single of his own that plated Freese.
Both teams had their chance in the ninth inning to end the game, but good pitching and defense ended any possibility of that.
The Brewers did not waste much time in extras to get things going. Nyjer Morgan started the sequence with a single. After Ryan Braun was called out on a very questionable strike three, Prince Fielder got a base hit to give McGehee runners at the corners. The stage was set and Milwaukee had the right man up at the plate. Even when Casey was struggling, he still managed to finish games off. McGehee crushed a double right over the top of Lance Berkman's head in right field. Nyjer Morgan scored easily as Fielder slid his way into third. Yuniesky Betancourt added an insurance run with a sacrifice fly to deep center that had more than enough to get Prince home.
John Axford came in for the save and got Matt Holliday to fly out right away. Lance Berkman smacked a double to center, which gave the St. Louis fans hope that there might be a comeback in the works. The Axe-Man shutdown any chance of that with back-to-back ground outs to end the game for his 30th consecutive save.
Brewers sweep Astros
From Sunday, August 7th, 2011
Brewers 7, Astros 3
W: Greinke (10-4) L: Norris (5-8)
The Brewers did exactly what they needed to do against a down and out team, sweep them on their own field. Make no mistake about it, Milwaukee is not taking anything lightly, but they know the teams they are suppose to beat and they are determined to fulfill the expectations.
Zack Greinke delivered another dominating performance and this time it was against the struggling Houston batters. He dropped his ERA to 4.21 as he only allowed one earned run on four hits in seven innings. He also had six strikeouts and walked three.
As good as Greinke pitched, it was nothing compared to how great his defense was. In the first inning Jose Altuve attempted to bunt for a hit, except the ball went just to the right of the pitcher mound and Greinke made an incredible lunging grab for the out. In the second inning with Carlos Lee on first base, J.D. Martinez hit a sharp ball to Greinke, who miraculously snagged it in his glove and threw to Yuniesky Betancourt to start a 1-4-3 double play. The very next inning with two men on base and two outs, as Greinke began his motion he caught Clint Barmes attempting to steal third base. Zack quickly turned around and tossed the ball to Casey McGehee to end the threat. Who would have guessed that the Cy Young Award winner the Brewers acquired in the off-season was also a possible Gold Glove winner.
Prince Fielder got the offense rolling early when he smacked a solo homer down the right field line in the first inning. It was a thing of beauty to watch Prince swing his hips fast around to crush the ball out of the park. There is no doubt the man has offensive talent and the Milwaukee fans are so lucky to be witnessing it before their very eyes. Fielder finished the day going 3-4 with two RBIs and four runs.
The Brewers added two more runs in the third when Nyjer Morgan led off with a double on a line drive to right field. Felipe Lopez wasted no time getting Morgan home when he singled to center. After Ryan Braun struck out and Fielder reached on a fielder's choice, Mark Kotsay singled to score Prince. Kotsay started in place of Corey Hart who got the day off to rest his left hand, which was hit by a pitch the previous night. Mark filled the shoes well going 3-5 with an RBI and a run.
Milwaukee scored another two runs in the fifth inning, courtesy of Betancourt's single that drove in Fielder and Kotsay. Yuniesky continues to be a breath of fresh air for this ball club as he finished the game 3-5 with three RBIs. He is by far having the best second-half of the season of any Brewer and that is extremely good news considering how much production the bottom three of the batting order need to have for this team to make a playoff run.
The Brewers accomplished something they have not done all season, sweep a team on the road. It does not matter that team was the Astros, who are currently on pace to finish the season with 100 losses. It only matters that Milwaukee is improving their road record, which could not come at a better time considering they will be heading into Busch Stadium to face the second place Cardinals next.
Brewers 7, Astros 3
W: Greinke (10-4) L: Norris (5-8)
The Brewers did exactly what they needed to do against a down and out team, sweep them on their own field. Make no mistake about it, Milwaukee is not taking anything lightly, but they know the teams they are suppose to beat and they are determined to fulfill the expectations.
Zack Greinke delivered another dominating performance and this time it was against the struggling Houston batters. He dropped his ERA to 4.21 as he only allowed one earned run on four hits in seven innings. He also had six strikeouts and walked three.
As good as Greinke pitched, it was nothing compared to how great his defense was. In the first inning Jose Altuve attempted to bunt for a hit, except the ball went just to the right of the pitcher mound and Greinke made an incredible lunging grab for the out. In the second inning with Carlos Lee on first base, J.D. Martinez hit a sharp ball to Greinke, who miraculously snagged it in his glove and threw to Yuniesky Betancourt to start a 1-4-3 double play. The very next inning with two men on base and two outs, as Greinke began his motion he caught Clint Barmes attempting to steal third base. Zack quickly turned around and tossed the ball to Casey McGehee to end the threat. Who would have guessed that the Cy Young Award winner the Brewers acquired in the off-season was also a possible Gold Glove winner.
Prince Fielder got the offense rolling early when he smacked a solo homer down the right field line in the first inning. It was a thing of beauty to watch Prince swing his hips fast around to crush the ball out of the park. There is no doubt the man has offensive talent and the Milwaukee fans are so lucky to be witnessing it before their very eyes. Fielder finished the day going 3-4 with two RBIs and four runs.
The Brewers added two more runs in the third when Nyjer Morgan led off with a double on a line drive to right field. Felipe Lopez wasted no time getting Morgan home when he singled to center. After Ryan Braun struck out and Fielder reached on a fielder's choice, Mark Kotsay singled to score Prince. Kotsay started in place of Corey Hart who got the day off to rest his left hand, which was hit by a pitch the previous night. Mark filled the shoes well going 3-5 with an RBI and a run.
Milwaukee scored another two runs in the fifth inning, courtesy of Betancourt's single that drove in Fielder and Kotsay. Yuniesky continues to be a breath of fresh air for this ball club as he finished the game 3-5 with three RBIs. He is by far having the best second-half of the season of any Brewer and that is extremely good news considering how much production the bottom three of the batting order need to have for this team to make a playoff run.
The Brewers accomplished something they have not done all season, sweep a team on the road. It does not matter that team was the Astros, who are currently on pace to finish the season with 100 losses. It only matters that Milwaukee is improving their road record, which could not come at a better time considering they will be heading into Busch Stadium to face the second place Cardinals next.
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
Fielder perfect as Brewers roll
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.
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.
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
McGehee's three homers power Crew in win
From Tuesday, August 3rd, 2011
Brewers 10, Cardinals 5
W: Wolf (8-8) L: Jackson (8-8)
Casey McGehee is back and in a big way. The previously slumping Brewer has regained his mojo from last season and it could not come at a better time.
Milwaukee took the series in front of a sellout crowd at Miller Park and only lost one game on the eleven game home stand, a nail bitter that went into extras the previous night. The Brewers are now 3 1/2 games up on the second place Cardinals and they do not plan on looking back.
Randy Wolf got out to a rocky start giving up four earned runs in the first two innings, but the Brewers offense backed him up with plenty of run support. Wolf ultimately gave up five earned runs on nine hits in six innings pitched, but the outcome was all that mattered, which was a win for him and the team.
St. Louis scored first on a David Freese single that sent home Matt Holliday, but the Brewers came pounding back to ensure the lead did not last. Corey Hart started off the home half of the first inning with a solo shot to left field. Hart has been on a tear during the home-stand and seems to be peaking at the right time. After Nyjer Morgan popped up, Ryan Braun doubled down the left field line. With two outs the other red hot Brewer, Casey McGehee, belted a two-run homer to right field that gave Milwaukee the lead.
The Brewers advantage did not last long as the Cardinals came right after Wolf in the second. With one out, Corey Patterson doubled to right field and Edwin Jackson followed with a single. With runners on second and third, Rafael Furcal hit a rare homer on a line drive to left field that scored three runs.
The Brewers answered in the third. Morgan led off with a single but Braun ended the momentum with a double play, uncommon by his standards. Prince Fielder hit a two-out single to get the fans back into it. Casey McGehee succeeded with another two-run home-run to left field that give Milwaukee the lead.
Wolf began to shut down the Cardinal batters and the Brewers were now in the driver seat. They would tack on two more runs in the fifth and sixth for a commanding 9-5 lead heading into the seventh inning, which is where a pleasant day turned into an extraordinary one.
Casey McGehee hit his third home-run and recorded his fifth RBI of the game, both career highs. This third one went to dead center meaning that Casey hit one to the right, one to the left, and one to center. As he rounded the bases, Miller Park went into a frenzy. When he returned to the dugout, his teammates mauled him with high-fives and hugs. The fans still remained loud as Casey gave a curtain call to a standing ovation.
"It was an out-of-body experience, one that I will never forget," McGehee told reporters after the game.
The bullpen came in for three shut-out innings to give the Brewers a victory. Milwaukee now turns their winning act on the road to Houston, where they will play a beat up Astros team.
Brewers 10, Cardinals 5
W: Wolf (8-8) L: Jackson (8-8)
Casey McGehee is back and in a big way. The previously slumping Brewer has regained his mojo from last season and it could not come at a better time.
Milwaukee took the series in front of a sellout crowd at Miller Park and only lost one game on the eleven game home stand, a nail bitter that went into extras the previous night. The Brewers are now 3 1/2 games up on the second place Cardinals and they do not plan on looking back.
Randy Wolf got out to a rocky start giving up four earned runs in the first two innings, but the Brewers offense backed him up with plenty of run support. Wolf ultimately gave up five earned runs on nine hits in six innings pitched, but the outcome was all that mattered, which was a win for him and the team.
St. Louis scored first on a David Freese single that sent home Matt Holliday, but the Brewers came pounding back to ensure the lead did not last. Corey Hart started off the home half of the first inning with a solo shot to left field. Hart has been on a tear during the home-stand and seems to be peaking at the right time. After Nyjer Morgan popped up, Ryan Braun doubled down the left field line. With two outs the other red hot Brewer, Casey McGehee, belted a two-run homer to right field that gave Milwaukee the lead.
The Brewers advantage did not last long as the Cardinals came right after Wolf in the second. With one out, Corey Patterson doubled to right field and Edwin Jackson followed with a single. With runners on second and third, Rafael Furcal hit a rare homer on a line drive to left field that scored three runs.
The Brewers answered in the third. Morgan led off with a single but Braun ended the momentum with a double play, uncommon by his standards. Prince Fielder hit a two-out single to get the fans back into it. Casey McGehee succeeded with another two-run home-run to left field that give Milwaukee the lead.
Wolf began to shut down the Cardinal batters and the Brewers were now in the driver seat. They would tack on two more runs in the fifth and sixth for a commanding 9-5 lead heading into the seventh inning, which is where a pleasant day turned into an extraordinary one.
Casey McGehee hit his third home-run and recorded his fifth RBI of the game, both career highs. This third one went to dead center meaning that Casey hit one to the right, one to the left, and one to center. As he rounded the bases, Miller Park went into a frenzy. When he returned to the dugout, his teammates mauled him with high-fives and hugs. The fans still remained loud as Casey gave a curtain call to a standing ovation.
"It was an out-of-body experience, one that I will never forget," McGehee told reporters after the game.
The bullpen came in for three shut-out innings to give the Brewers a victory. Milwaukee now turns their winning act on the road to Houston, where they will play a beat up Astros team.
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.
Monday, July 18, 2011
D-Backs pitching to much for Brewers
Diamondbacks 3, Brewers 0
W: Collmenter (5-5) L: Wolf (6-7) SV: Hernandez (9)
The lack of run support this season for Randy Wolf is getting ridiculous. Once again Wolf goes deep into a game, gives up a few runs, and has a loss to show for it.
Wolf surrendered three runs, two earned, on eight hits in 7.1 innings pitched. He was in trouble with base runners throughout the game but still managed to throw the correct stuff to get out of it. In the third inning with bases loaded and zero outs, Wolf got the double play he was hoping for which allowed one run to score. He miraculously got out of the inning with only the one run to give his team a legitimate chance.
Unfortunately, the Brewers could not get their offense going as they only managed to garner three hits the entire night.
Milwaukee made great defensive plays, but also allowed two errors. Nyjer Morgan made an outstanding catch as he crashed into the wall in left field, but Wolf allowed a double the very next batter and then gave up a two-run homer that broke the game wide open. The next inning Morgan made an incredible diving catch in center field, making general manager Doug Melvin look smarter and smarter every game for acquiring him at the end of spring training.
The best play of the game at the time took place in the fourth inning. With runners at the corners and two outs in a one run game, Wolf caught Arizona's Ryan Roberts in a run down at first base. Prince Fielder began to chase Roberts towards second when he quickly realized that Chris Young began to run home. Fielder immediately threw home to catcher George Kottaras who scooped the ball out of the dirt on one hop and made an excellent tag on Young to end the inning.
This was a huge play because it stopped the Diamondbacks from scoring another run and gave the Brewers momentum. Obviously in the bigger scheme this ended up having no effect on the game, but it is good to know that Milwaukee can make these plays for when it really counts.
Arizona's rookie starting pitcher Josh Collmenter tossed a superior game as he only gave up three hits in eight innings. The Brewers had no answer for him and Collmenter was not shy about pointing it out as he threw every pitch with confidence. By time the ninth inning rolled around, Milwaukee seemed like they just wanted the game to be over.
Ryan Braun did not play again as Mark Kotsay started for him. The Brewers are still against putting Braun on the 15-day disabled list even though he has already missed 10 days. Manager Ron Roenicke figures Ryan will be ready soon so there is no need for the DL at this point.
W: Collmenter (5-5) L: Wolf (6-7) SV: Hernandez (9)
The lack of run support this season for Randy Wolf is getting ridiculous. Once again Wolf goes deep into a game, gives up a few runs, and has a loss to show for it.
Wolf surrendered three runs, two earned, on eight hits in 7.1 innings pitched. He was in trouble with base runners throughout the game but still managed to throw the correct stuff to get out of it. In the third inning with bases loaded and zero outs, Wolf got the double play he was hoping for which allowed one run to score. He miraculously got out of the inning with only the one run to give his team a legitimate chance.
Unfortunately, the Brewers could not get their offense going as they only managed to garner three hits the entire night.
Milwaukee made great defensive plays, but also allowed two errors. Nyjer Morgan made an outstanding catch as he crashed into the wall in left field, but Wolf allowed a double the very next batter and then gave up a two-run homer that broke the game wide open. The next inning Morgan made an incredible diving catch in center field, making general manager Doug Melvin look smarter and smarter every game for acquiring him at the end of spring training.
The best play of the game at the time took place in the fourth inning. With runners at the corners and two outs in a one run game, Wolf caught Arizona's Ryan Roberts in a run down at first base. Prince Fielder began to chase Roberts towards second when he quickly realized that Chris Young began to run home. Fielder immediately threw home to catcher George Kottaras who scooped the ball out of the dirt on one hop and made an excellent tag on Young to end the inning.
This was a huge play because it stopped the Diamondbacks from scoring another run and gave the Brewers momentum. Obviously in the bigger scheme this ended up having no effect on the game, but it is good to know that Milwaukee can make these plays for when it really counts.
Arizona's rookie starting pitcher Josh Collmenter tossed a superior game as he only gave up three hits in eight innings. The Brewers had no answer for him and Collmenter was not shy about pointing it out as he threw every pitch with confidence. By time the ninth inning rolled around, Milwaukee seemed like they just wanted the game to be over.
Ryan Braun did not play again as Mark Kotsay started for him. The Brewers are still against putting Braun on the 15-day disabled list even though he has already missed 10 days. Manager Ron Roenicke figures Ryan will be ready soon so there is no need for the DL at this point.
Sunday, July 17, 2011
K-Rod gets first win off Weeks home run
Brewers 8, Rockies 7
W: Rodriguez (3-2) L: Street (0-3) SV: Axford (24)
Manager Ron Roenicke debuted a new lineup Saturday night that moved Rickie Weeks to the fifth spot and Corey Hart to leadoff. It worked out so well, expect to see it again Sunday.
It was Weeks first time in his career batting fifth and he seemed to enjoy it as he went 2-5 with a game winning two-run homer that gave new comer Francisco Rodriguez his first win as a Brewer.
Roenicke made the right choice by trying something new because the Brewers were in a losing rut. If Milwaukee is going to be successful the rest of the season they need someone who can protect Ryan Braun and Prince Fielder. Casey McGehee has not been able to get the job done, Corey Hart is capable of it, but Weeks has the power and average to force opposing pitchers to make pitches against Fielder instead of throw around him.
Hart has hit leadoff in the past and showed that he can perform in that role. Corey seemed to struggle as he struck out his first two at-bats and went 1-4 on the night, but his two-run homer proved that he can succeed. He has the speed and power that a manager would want from a leadoff hitter so the Brewers will be in good hands.
Zack Grienke pitched a strong game as he went six innings and surrendered five hits and three runs, none earned. He also struck out eight batters and lowered his ERA to 5.04. This is the exact kind of start we need from Grienke the rest of the season. With the high-caliber offense the Brewers have, starting pitchers can give up three runs and still be in good shape.
Colorado took a three-run lead in the second inning and held it until the fifth, when the Brewers finally got on board with Hart's homer. The game stayed 3-2 until the seventh when both teams scored three runs each.
Josh Wilson and Jonathan Lucroy singled to lead off the inning and Craig Counsell moved them over with a sacrifice bunt. Hart followed it up by getting hit by a pitch to load the bases. The squeeze was on and Nyjer Morgan laid down a perfect bunt along the first base line. Rockies first basemen Todd Helton attempted to throw the ball to the catcher using his glove, but threw it way above his head which allowed Wilson and Lucroy to score. With Hart on third, Mark Kotsay hit a shallow ball to center fielder that ended up being a close play at the plate. Hart and the catcher met at the same time, but when the umpire called Hart safe the Rockies went ballistic. Colorado's catcher and manager were both ejected and Milwaukee seemed to gain all the momentum.
The Brewers tied the game in the top of the eighth inning off of pinch-hitter George Kottaras' ground out RBI that scored Yuniesky Betancourt. Francisco Rodriguez came in to pitch the bottom of the eighth and had a 1-2-3 inning with a strikeout. He threw with confidence and looked outstanding with every motion to home plate.
After Fielder walked with two outs in the ninth, Weeks smashed his game winner to center field and the Brewers were on their way to their first victory of the second-half. John Axford gave up one run but eventually closed the door on any hopes the Rockies may of had for his 24th save of the season.
W: Rodriguez (3-2) L: Street (0-3) SV: Axford (24)
Manager Ron Roenicke debuted a new lineup Saturday night that moved Rickie Weeks to the fifth spot and Corey Hart to leadoff. It worked out so well, expect to see it again Sunday.
It was Weeks first time in his career batting fifth and he seemed to enjoy it as he went 2-5 with a game winning two-run homer that gave new comer Francisco Rodriguez his first win as a Brewer.
Roenicke made the right choice by trying something new because the Brewers were in a losing rut. If Milwaukee is going to be successful the rest of the season they need someone who can protect Ryan Braun and Prince Fielder. Casey McGehee has not been able to get the job done, Corey Hart is capable of it, but Weeks has the power and average to force opposing pitchers to make pitches against Fielder instead of throw around him.
Hart has hit leadoff in the past and showed that he can perform in that role. Corey seemed to struggle as he struck out his first two at-bats and went 1-4 on the night, but his two-run homer proved that he can succeed. He has the speed and power that a manager would want from a leadoff hitter so the Brewers will be in good hands.
Zack Grienke pitched a strong game as he went six innings and surrendered five hits and three runs, none earned. He also struck out eight batters and lowered his ERA to 5.04. This is the exact kind of start we need from Grienke the rest of the season. With the high-caliber offense the Brewers have, starting pitchers can give up three runs and still be in good shape.
Colorado took a three-run lead in the second inning and held it until the fifth, when the Brewers finally got on board with Hart's homer. The game stayed 3-2 until the seventh when both teams scored three runs each.
Josh Wilson and Jonathan Lucroy singled to lead off the inning and Craig Counsell moved them over with a sacrifice bunt. Hart followed it up by getting hit by a pitch to load the bases. The squeeze was on and Nyjer Morgan laid down a perfect bunt along the first base line. Rockies first basemen Todd Helton attempted to throw the ball to the catcher using his glove, but threw it way above his head which allowed Wilson and Lucroy to score. With Hart on third, Mark Kotsay hit a shallow ball to center fielder that ended up being a close play at the plate. Hart and the catcher met at the same time, but when the umpire called Hart safe the Rockies went ballistic. Colorado's catcher and manager were both ejected and Milwaukee seemed to gain all the momentum.
The Brewers tied the game in the top of the eighth inning off of pinch-hitter George Kottaras' ground out RBI that scored Yuniesky Betancourt. Francisco Rodriguez came in to pitch the bottom of the eighth and had a 1-2-3 inning with a strikeout. He threw with confidence and looked outstanding with every motion to home plate.
After Fielder walked with two outs in the ninth, Weeks smashed his game winner to center field and the Brewers were on their way to their first victory of the second-half. John Axford gave up one run but eventually closed the door on any hopes the Rockies may of had for his 24th save of the season.
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.
Monday, July 11, 2011
Brewers fall in extras
From Saturday, July 9, 2011
Reds 8, Brewers 4
W: Bray (2-1) L: Estrada (2-6)
This is a game the Brewers never should have lost and now it could cost them deeply. Three errors, botched fundamentals, and multiple chances to win the game sums up the loss.
Once again, Milwaukee got some early run support for Shaun Marcum. Rickie Weeks led off the game with a line drive single to center field. A throwing error by Cincinnati starting pitcher Johnny Cueto on the pickoff attempt moved Weeks to second. Nyjer Morgan's fly out sent Rickie to third and Corey Hart's single brought him home. Mark Kotsay would later single to score Hart.
Marcum pitched a pretty decent game as he only gave up three earned runs on six hits in six innings pitched. He even contributed to his own cause as he got an RBI on a sacrifice bunt that scored Yuniesky Betancourt in the second inning.
With the game tied up in the eighth, Casey McGehee led off the inning with a walk and the Brewers had a good opportunity to do some damage. Betancourt had one purpose at the plate and that was to move McGehee over to second. Manager Ron Roenicke gave the signs to bunt and unfortunately Betancourt bunted right back to the pitcher, which turned into a detrimental double play. To make matters worse Jonathan Lucroy singled the next at-bat which left Brewer fans wondering what could have been.
In the ninth inning the Brewers once again had a great chance to win the game as Weeks led off with a single. A throwing error on the pickoff attempt moved Rickie to second and now the win seemed to be set. Nyjer Morgan tried hard to bunt Weeks over but he just could not do it as he struck out on a foul bunt. The next at-bat Hart flew out. After the Red's intentionally walked Prince Fielder, Kotsay lined out to center field on a hard hit ball to end the threat.
Marco Estrada came in to pitch the tenth inning but quickly gave up a home run to Jay Bruce. The one run lead quickly turned to five and the game was without a doubt over. A game that seemed so promising fizzled out right in front of everyone and it was not a sight to be seen. Milwaukee had their chances to win so they have no one to blame but themselves.
Reds 8, Brewers 4
W: Bray (2-1) L: Estrada (2-6)
This is a game the Brewers never should have lost and now it could cost them deeply. Three errors, botched fundamentals, and multiple chances to win the game sums up the loss.
Once again, Milwaukee got some early run support for Shaun Marcum. Rickie Weeks led off the game with a line drive single to center field. A throwing error by Cincinnati starting pitcher Johnny Cueto on the pickoff attempt moved Weeks to second. Nyjer Morgan's fly out sent Rickie to third and Corey Hart's single brought him home. Mark Kotsay would later single to score Hart.
Marcum pitched a pretty decent game as he only gave up three earned runs on six hits in six innings pitched. He even contributed to his own cause as he got an RBI on a sacrifice bunt that scored Yuniesky Betancourt in the second inning.
With the game tied up in the eighth, Casey McGehee led off the inning with a walk and the Brewers had a good opportunity to do some damage. Betancourt had one purpose at the plate and that was to move McGehee over to second. Manager Ron Roenicke gave the signs to bunt and unfortunately Betancourt bunted right back to the pitcher, which turned into a detrimental double play. To make matters worse Jonathan Lucroy singled the next at-bat which left Brewer fans wondering what could have been.
In the ninth inning the Brewers once again had a great chance to win the game as Weeks led off with a single. A throwing error on the pickoff attempt moved Rickie to second and now the win seemed to be set. Nyjer Morgan tried hard to bunt Weeks over but he just could not do it as he struck out on a foul bunt. The next at-bat Hart flew out. After the Red's intentionally walked Prince Fielder, Kotsay lined out to center field on a hard hit ball to end the threat.
Marco Estrada came in to pitch the tenth inning but quickly gave up a home run to Jay Bruce. The one run lead quickly turned to five and the game was without a doubt over. A game that seemed so promising fizzled out right in front of everyone and it was not a sight to be seen. Milwaukee had their chances to win so they have no one to blame but themselves.
Saturday, July 9, 2011
Kotsay walks off, Brewers win thriller
Brewers 8, Reds 7
W: Estrada (2-5) L: Cordero (3-2)
Mark Kotsay had his best game as a Brewer by doing his best Ryan Braun impression Friday night. Not only did he hit the go-ahead home-run in the sixth inning, but he rocketed a two-RBI single to win the game.
It is not all good news though as Zack Grienk'e struggles continue. He surrendered four runs, two earned, on six hits in six innings pitched. His ten strikeouts are very encouraging, but unless his ERA comes down it will do the Brewers no good.
The Reds jumped on Grienke early when Joey Votto hit a homer to center field in the first inning. Brandon Phillips doubled the next at-bat and Jay Bruce singled him home to give Cincinnati a two-run lead.
Grienke struggled again in the third inning as he loaded the bases with zero outs. He managed to strike out Phillips and Jay Bruce on his way out of the jam. The next batter, Scott Rolen, hit a grounder to third baseman Mat Gamel who had trouble with the ball. Rolen reached base on the fielding error as Drew Stubbs and Edgar Renteria scored to give the Reds a four-run lead.
In the bottom of the third inning with two outs, All-Star Rickie Weeks hit his first career inside-the-park home run on a shot drilled to right center field. The ball ricocheted off the diagonal wall and bounced past the Red's center fielder. By time he could throw the ball into the in-field, Weeks had already scored.
Milwaukee went on a tear in the fifth inning to score three runs to tie the game. After Grienke singled, Weeks doubled to score him with ease. Nyjer Morgan plated Weeks on a single and then went to second on a poor throw by rookie Zack Cozart. Prince Fielder capped off the scoring with a sacrifice-fly to score Morgan after Corey Hart moved him over to third on a single of his own.
With the game tied, Kotsay led off the sixth inning with a solo blast to center field to give the Brewers the lead. It did not last long as the Reds came storming back in the seventh. With Zack Braddock in relief for Greinke, Cozart led off the inning with a single. Votto doubled on a line drive to Kotsay who had trouble handling the ball as it rolled past him. Cozart scored easily and Votto advanced to third on the fielding error. Votto went home on Phillips sac-fly and Jay Bruce homered to complete the three-run rally.
The stage was set for another epic Brewer's comeback. With former friend turned foe Francisco Cordero in to close the game for Cincinnati, it seemed Milwaukee was doomed. They have struggled against him in the past, but fortunately the Brewers were about to change all of that.
After George Kottaras walked, Nyjer Morgan ripped a triple down the right field line to plate Kottaras. Corey Hart hit a ball right to the Red's shortstop, but Morgan was already on the move on contact. The ball was thrown home where a violent collision between Nyjer and catcher Ryan Hanigan took place. Hanigan's helmet flew off and his head banged off the ground. As the dust settled it was clear that he somehow still held on to the ball. All hope seemed to be lost as the home plate umpire motioned an out had occurred. The crowd fell silent, but fans quickly felt their odds had increased when they watched Prince Fielder walk up to the plate. The fans got loud and crazy as Fielder drew the walk on a full-count. Casey McGehee singled on a soft ground ball to third as he beat it out to load the bases. Carlos Gomez entered the game for Fielder as a pinch runner. Mark Kotsay stepped up to the plate, took a deep breath, and crushed a single to right field to win the game. Miller Park erupted in cheers as the Milwaukee players stormed the field to celebrate with Kotsay.
Mark Kotsay's first walk-off as a Brewer capped an amazing victory over a division rival. Milwaukee aims to make it three in a row Saturday night.
W: Estrada (2-5) L: Cordero (3-2)
Mark Kotsay had his best game as a Brewer by doing his best Ryan Braun impression Friday night. Not only did he hit the go-ahead home-run in the sixth inning, but he rocketed a two-RBI single to win the game.
It is not all good news though as Zack Grienk'e struggles continue. He surrendered four runs, two earned, on six hits in six innings pitched. His ten strikeouts are very encouraging, but unless his ERA comes down it will do the Brewers no good.
The Reds jumped on Grienke early when Joey Votto hit a homer to center field in the first inning. Brandon Phillips doubled the next at-bat and Jay Bruce singled him home to give Cincinnati a two-run lead.
Grienke struggled again in the third inning as he loaded the bases with zero outs. He managed to strike out Phillips and Jay Bruce on his way out of the jam. The next batter, Scott Rolen, hit a grounder to third baseman Mat Gamel who had trouble with the ball. Rolen reached base on the fielding error as Drew Stubbs and Edgar Renteria scored to give the Reds a four-run lead.
In the bottom of the third inning with two outs, All-Star Rickie Weeks hit his first career inside-the-park home run on a shot drilled to right center field. The ball ricocheted off the diagonal wall and bounced past the Red's center fielder. By time he could throw the ball into the in-field, Weeks had already scored.
Milwaukee went on a tear in the fifth inning to score three runs to tie the game. After Grienke singled, Weeks doubled to score him with ease. Nyjer Morgan plated Weeks on a single and then went to second on a poor throw by rookie Zack Cozart. Prince Fielder capped off the scoring with a sacrifice-fly to score Morgan after Corey Hart moved him over to third on a single of his own.
With the game tied, Kotsay led off the sixth inning with a solo blast to center field to give the Brewers the lead. It did not last long as the Reds came storming back in the seventh. With Zack Braddock in relief for Greinke, Cozart led off the inning with a single. Votto doubled on a line drive to Kotsay who had trouble handling the ball as it rolled past him. Cozart scored easily and Votto advanced to third on the fielding error. Votto went home on Phillips sac-fly and Jay Bruce homered to complete the three-run rally.
The stage was set for another epic Brewer's comeback. With former friend turned foe Francisco Cordero in to close the game for Cincinnati, it seemed Milwaukee was doomed. They have struggled against him in the past, but fortunately the Brewers were about to change all of that.
After George Kottaras walked, Nyjer Morgan ripped a triple down the right field line to plate Kottaras. Corey Hart hit a ball right to the Red's shortstop, but Morgan was already on the move on contact. The ball was thrown home where a violent collision between Nyjer and catcher Ryan Hanigan took place. Hanigan's helmet flew off and his head banged off the ground. As the dust settled it was clear that he somehow still held on to the ball. All hope seemed to be lost as the home plate umpire motioned an out had occurred. The crowd fell silent, but fans quickly felt their odds had increased when they watched Prince Fielder walk up to the plate. The fans got loud and crazy as Fielder drew the walk on a full-count. Casey McGehee singled on a soft ground ball to third as he beat it out to load the bases. Carlos Gomez entered the game for Fielder as a pinch runner. Mark Kotsay stepped up to the plate, took a deep breath, and crushed a single to right field to win the game. Miller Park erupted in cheers as the Milwaukee players stormed the field to celebrate with Kotsay.
Mark Kotsay's first walk-off as a Brewer capped an amazing victory over a division rival. Milwaukee aims to make it three in a row Saturday night.
Tuesday, July 5, 2011
Big lead does not hold up in loss
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.
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.
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.
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
Brewers lose, road woes continue
Yankees 5, Brewers 2
W: Burnett (8-6) L: Marcum (7-3) SV: Rivera (21)
The Brewers got on the board first with a Ryan Braun single that drove in Nyjer Morgan. Unfortunately, that was it on another dismal night for Milwaukee.
Yesterday I wrote about how the Brewers out-hit teams but still ended up losing. Tonight was no different as the Brewers out-hit the Yankees for the second game in a row. Shaun Marcum did not pitch much better than Grienke did last night, but at least he went half the game.
Marcum pitched five innings and gave up four earned runs on five hits. Robinson Cano led off the bottom of the fourth with a triple. Nick Swisher didn't waste much time as he singled to right field, scoring Cano with ease. Posada singled the next at-bat and that is when the game turned bad for Milwaukee. Marcum's biggest mistake of the night was the three-run homer given up to Russell Martin. It blew the game wide open and the Brewers could never recover.
It wouldn't be as upsetting if the Brewers played their hearts out. It seems that playing teams like New York and Boston is intimidating for the Milwaukee players. I do not understand why, considering they have just as much talent as any of those teams. If this is their way of getting the big spotlight jitters taken care of, then by all means please do. At least it happens now and not in October.
The Yankees played outstanding defense, some of the best in-field defense I have seen all season. A.J. Burnett did not pitch that great as he surrendered seven hits, but only gave up two runs. Fortunately for him, with talent the Yankees have on their roster, he does not need his "stuff" night in and night out. The Brewers did not help their cause as they hit into three double plays.
Tomorrow afternoon is another game and another chance to salvage this already disheartening road trip. Unfortunately, to do that the Brewers must beat the legend himself, C.C. Sabathia. The last time he was this close to a Brewer's uniform, the entire city of Milwaukee was riding his back to the promise land. Now we just have to hope he is half the man he used to be.
W: Burnett (8-6) L: Marcum (7-3) SV: Rivera (21)
The Brewers got on the board first with a Ryan Braun single that drove in Nyjer Morgan. Unfortunately, that was it on another dismal night for Milwaukee.
Yesterday I wrote about how the Brewers out-hit teams but still ended up losing. Tonight was no different as the Brewers out-hit the Yankees for the second game in a row. Shaun Marcum did not pitch much better than Grienke did last night, but at least he went half the game.
Marcum pitched five innings and gave up four earned runs on five hits. Robinson Cano led off the bottom of the fourth with a triple. Nick Swisher didn't waste much time as he singled to right field, scoring Cano with ease. Posada singled the next at-bat and that is when the game turned bad for Milwaukee. Marcum's biggest mistake of the night was the three-run homer given up to Russell Martin. It blew the game wide open and the Brewers could never recover.
It wouldn't be as upsetting if the Brewers played their hearts out. It seems that playing teams like New York and Boston is intimidating for the Milwaukee players. I do not understand why, considering they have just as much talent as any of those teams. If this is their way of getting the big spotlight jitters taken care of, then by all means please do. At least it happens now and not in October.
The Yankees played outstanding defense, some of the best in-field defense I have seen all season. A.J. Burnett did not pitch that great as he surrendered seven hits, but only gave up two runs. Fortunately for him, with talent the Yankees have on their roster, he does not need his "stuff" night in and night out. The Brewers did not help their cause as they hit into three double plays.
Tomorrow afternoon is another game and another chance to salvage this already disheartening road trip. Unfortunately, to do that the Brewers must beat the legend himself, C.C. Sabathia. The last time he was this close to a Brewer's uniform, the entire city of Milwaukee was riding his back to the promise land. Now we just have to hope he is half the man he used to be.
Monday, June 20, 2011
Roenicke, Sveum ejected, Brewers nightmares continue
Rays 8, Brewers 4
W: Niemann (2-4) L: Narveson (4-5)
Umpire Bob Davidson can not come to Milwaukee without ejecting someone. Last year he tossed a Milwaukee fan sitting in the front row and tonight he tossed two of the coaches.
Milwaukee Brewers manager Ron Roenicke got his first ejection as a Brewer. Unfortunately, that did not inspire the Brewers to play any better.
Nyjer Morgan was hit on the left arm by a fastball from Tampa Bay Ray's starting pitcher Jeff Niemann. As he headed for first base, Bob Davidson called him back claiming that Morgan stepped into the pitch. As Nyjer stepped into the home plate umpire's face, Roenicke squeezed in between them defending his batter. Replays showed Morgan attempting to turn away from the ball with no apparent intentions of ever stepping into it. It was obvious that Davidson made the wrong call. Fox Sports Wisconsin commentators Brian Anderson and Bill Schroeder went ballistic and could not believe what they had just witnessed.
"Talk about looking for something that isn't there," said Anderson. "That is just a blatant bad call," chimed in Schroeder.
Roenicke kept his cool for the most part and play continued. With a full count, Morgan swung at ball four as the boo birds came down hard on Davidson. To his credit Nyjer walked back to the dugout clearly holding all of the frustration inside him, the same could not be said about his hitting coach. Dale Sveum screamed and pointed at Davidson from the top of the dugout, which did not last long as he was ejected in seconds. Ron Roenicke came flying out of the bench area and got up in Davidson's face. He said his part and was ejected within minutes.
The fans came to his defense with loud cheers in hopes that the game was going to be turned around. Considering the Rays had a 1-0 lead, it was not farfetched to think the momentum was in favor of the Brewers.
One out with the bases loaded, Kotsay and Betancourt both failed to bring home a run. The Rays got out of the jam and all hope seemed to be lost. The game went down hill fast as Narveson struggled in the seventh inning giving up two more earned runs.
Brewers reliever Mark DiFelice gave up a three-run homer in the eighth, making him the second pitcher to be called up from AAA Nashville in the last week to have an unsettling ERA. He has a 9.00 ERA in 1.0 innings pitched. Casey McGehee and Prince Fielder both had errors. Jonathan Lucroy sent a solo shot to deep center field for his first home-run in June.
"The biggest thing that bothers me is the inconsistency of this ball club," said Roenicke before the game. "Our pitchers and our offense are both so inconsistent. I know that the home runs come and go which will give you a little inconsistency on offense, but the overall inconsistency is our problem."
That makes two of us Mr. Manager.
W: Niemann (2-4) L: Narveson (4-5)
Umpire Bob Davidson can not come to Milwaukee without ejecting someone. Last year he tossed a Milwaukee fan sitting in the front row and tonight he tossed two of the coaches.
Milwaukee Brewers manager Ron Roenicke got his first ejection as a Brewer. Unfortunately, that did not inspire the Brewers to play any better.
Nyjer Morgan was hit on the left arm by a fastball from Tampa Bay Ray's starting pitcher Jeff Niemann. As he headed for first base, Bob Davidson called him back claiming that Morgan stepped into the pitch. As Nyjer stepped into the home plate umpire's face, Roenicke squeezed in between them defending his batter. Replays showed Morgan attempting to turn away from the ball with no apparent intentions of ever stepping into it. It was obvious that Davidson made the wrong call. Fox Sports Wisconsin commentators Brian Anderson and Bill Schroeder went ballistic and could not believe what they had just witnessed.
"Talk about looking for something that isn't there," said Anderson. "That is just a blatant bad call," chimed in Schroeder.
Roenicke kept his cool for the most part and play continued. With a full count, Morgan swung at ball four as the boo birds came down hard on Davidson. To his credit Nyjer walked back to the dugout clearly holding all of the frustration inside him, the same could not be said about his hitting coach. Dale Sveum screamed and pointed at Davidson from the top of the dugout, which did not last long as he was ejected in seconds. Ron Roenicke came flying out of the bench area and got up in Davidson's face. He said his part and was ejected within minutes.
The fans came to his defense with loud cheers in hopes that the game was going to be turned around. Considering the Rays had a 1-0 lead, it was not farfetched to think the momentum was in favor of the Brewers.
One out with the bases loaded, Kotsay and Betancourt both failed to bring home a run. The Rays got out of the jam and all hope seemed to be lost. The game went down hill fast as Narveson struggled in the seventh inning giving up two more earned runs.
Brewers reliever Mark DiFelice gave up a three-run homer in the eighth, making him the second pitcher to be called up from AAA Nashville in the last week to have an unsettling ERA. He has a 9.00 ERA in 1.0 innings pitched. Casey McGehee and Prince Fielder both had errors. Jonathan Lucroy sent a solo shot to deep center field for his first home-run in June.
"The biggest thing that bothers me is the inconsistency of this ball club," said Roenicke before the game. "Our pitchers and our offense are both so inconsistent. I know that the home runs come and go which will give you a little inconsistency on offense, but the overall inconsistency is our problem."
That makes two of us Mr. Manager.
Gallardo gets pounded in first, lasts only three
Red Sox 12, Brewers 3
W: Wakefield (4-2) L: Gallardo (8-4)
Who would have guessed in a weekend with former aces Shaun Marcum and Yovani Gallardo starting, Randy Wolf would pitch more innings than both of them combined.
Gallardo had an error and gave up six earned runs in the first inning, four of them before a single out was recorded. He gave up a season high eight earned runs in three innings.
Jacoby Ellsbury and Dustin Pedroia led off the first inning with back-to-back singles. After a wild pitch moved the runners to second and third, Adrian Gonzalez hit a ground ball to the left of first base. Prince Fielder made a good play on it and sent a perfect throw to Gallardo, who simply dropped the ball as he stepped on first. A routine double play (if the wild pitch and error did not occur) turned into runners on the corners with one run in. Kevin Youkilis made Gallardo pay for the mistake, crushing a three-run home run over the green monster in left field. Four runs, zero outs, and Gallardo's pitch count skyrocketing.
Still in the first, bases loaded, the Red Sox got back to the top of their order. Jacoby Ellsbury hit a two-out ground-rule double that plated two more runs. Finally Gallardo got out of the inning after throwing 45 pitches. His day lost and the Brewers on their way to another losing road series.
The Brewer's offense was no match for Tim Wakefield's famous knuckleball as they struggled mightily all day. Nyjer Morgan and Prince Fielder were the only players to really break through. After Casey McGehee hit a two-out double off the green monster in the second inning, Nyjer Morgan hit a home run to right field that barely cleared the wall. Prince Fielder hit a solo shot to right in the seventh inning.
A 2-5 record on the road trip is not what Milwaukee was looking for, especially when the next couple of weeks are only going to get more difficult. The Brewers look to bounce back against the Tampa Bay Rays Monday night at Miller Park.
W: Wakefield (4-2) L: Gallardo (8-4)
Who would have guessed in a weekend with former aces Shaun Marcum and Yovani Gallardo starting, Randy Wolf would pitch more innings than both of them combined.
Gallardo had an error and gave up six earned runs in the first inning, four of them before a single out was recorded. He gave up a season high eight earned runs in three innings.
Jacoby Ellsbury and Dustin Pedroia led off the first inning with back-to-back singles. After a wild pitch moved the runners to second and third, Adrian Gonzalez hit a ground ball to the left of first base. Prince Fielder made a good play on it and sent a perfect throw to Gallardo, who simply dropped the ball as he stepped on first. A routine double play (if the wild pitch and error did not occur) turned into runners on the corners with one run in. Kevin Youkilis made Gallardo pay for the mistake, crushing a three-run home run over the green monster in left field. Four runs, zero outs, and Gallardo's pitch count skyrocketing.
Still in the first, bases loaded, the Red Sox got back to the top of their order. Jacoby Ellsbury hit a two-out ground-rule double that plated two more runs. Finally Gallardo got out of the inning after throwing 45 pitches. His day lost and the Brewers on their way to another losing road series.
The Brewer's offense was no match for Tim Wakefield's famous knuckleball as they struggled mightily all day. Nyjer Morgan and Prince Fielder were the only players to really break through. After Casey McGehee hit a two-out double off the green monster in the second inning, Nyjer Morgan hit a home run to right field that barely cleared the wall. Prince Fielder hit a solo shot to right in the seventh inning.
A 2-5 record on the road trip is not what Milwaukee was looking for, especially when the next couple of weeks are only going to get more difficult. The Brewers look to bounce back against the Tampa Bay Rays Monday night at Miller Park.
Saturday, June 18, 2011
Marcum lasts one inning, Brewers fall
Red Sox 10, Brewers 4
W: Lackey (5-5) L: Estrada (1-4)
Shaun Marcum was done after just one inning in the series opener against the Boston Red Sox. He ended up leaving with a left hip flexor strain after 44 pitches and two earned runs.
"I didn't want to come out after an inning, but we wanted to be smart about it, not do anything stupid," Marcum said. "I didn't want to take a chance of hurting it worse or actually doing something where I'm missing more time."
Things were looking good in the first inning for the Brewers. After Nyjer Morgan hit a single and Prince Fielder hit a ground rule double, heating up third baseman Casey McGehee crushed a two-out line drive into center field plating two runs. Unfortunately in the bottom of the first, Marcum's disastrous inning consisted of giving up a solo shot to Jacoby Ellsbury and an RBI double to David Ortiz to tie the game.
"They did a good job of working me, working the count, getting pitches, and when they got pitches, they hit them," said Marcum. "Ellsbury did a good job staying back hitting that ball, and we threw everything we could to Ortiz and he finally got a pitch. They put some good at-bats together. You have to give those guys credit."
The Brewers came back swinging in the third. After leading off with four straight singles, bases were loaded with one run already in. Casey McGehee hit a hard driven shot in between first and second base where Dustin Pedroia made an outstanding diving stop to turn a double play. It was McGehee's third RBI of the game for another two-run lead, but the rally was done and so were the Brewers.
Marco Estrada pitched four innings allowing only an Adrian Gonzalez home-run. He was relieved in the sixth by Daniel Ray Herrera, who lasted one inning after he allowed three earned runs. Pitching for the second consecutive day after being called up, Herrera has a 21.60 ERA in 1.2 innings pitched.
Once again the Brewers can not catch a break on the road. If Marcum does not get injured and Pedroia does not make that play in the third inning, we are looking at an entirely different game. Unfortunately, this is baseball and none of that matters. It is what it is and now it's time to move on to the next one.
W: Lackey (5-5) L: Estrada (1-4)
Shaun Marcum was done after just one inning in the series opener against the Boston Red Sox. He ended up leaving with a left hip flexor strain after 44 pitches and two earned runs.
"I didn't want to come out after an inning, but we wanted to be smart about it, not do anything stupid," Marcum said. "I didn't want to take a chance of hurting it worse or actually doing something where I'm missing more time."
Things were looking good in the first inning for the Brewers. After Nyjer Morgan hit a single and Prince Fielder hit a ground rule double, heating up third baseman Casey McGehee crushed a two-out line drive into center field plating two runs. Unfortunately in the bottom of the first, Marcum's disastrous inning consisted of giving up a solo shot to Jacoby Ellsbury and an RBI double to David Ortiz to tie the game.
"They did a good job of working me, working the count, getting pitches, and when they got pitches, they hit them," said Marcum. "Ellsbury did a good job staying back hitting that ball, and we threw everything we could to Ortiz and he finally got a pitch. They put some good at-bats together. You have to give those guys credit."
The Brewers came back swinging in the third. After leading off with four straight singles, bases were loaded with one run already in. Casey McGehee hit a hard driven shot in between first and second base where Dustin Pedroia made an outstanding diving stop to turn a double play. It was McGehee's third RBI of the game for another two-run lead, but the rally was done and so were the Brewers.
Marco Estrada pitched four innings allowing only an Adrian Gonzalez home-run. He was relieved in the sixth by Daniel Ray Herrera, who lasted one inning after he allowed three earned runs. Pitching for the second consecutive day after being called up, Herrera has a 21.60 ERA in 1.2 innings pitched.
Once again the Brewers can not catch a break on the road. If Marcum does not get injured and Pedroia does not make that play in the third inning, we are looking at an entirely different game. Unfortunately, this is baseball and none of that matters. It is what it is and now it's time to move on to the next one.
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)