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 Yovani Gallardo. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Yovani Gallardo. Show all posts
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
Monday, August 15, 2011
Double plays haunt Brew in loss
From Thursday, August 11th, 2011
Cardinals 5, Brewers 2
W: Carpenter (8-8) L: Gallardo (13-8) SV: Salas (22)
Too many mistakes on the Brewers behalf led to a missed opportunity, a chance to sweep the Cardinals on their home turf.
Milwaukee continued their first inning dominance when Mark Kotsay and Prince Fielder each recorded RBIs to give the Brewers an early lead. Kotsay hit a line drive double to score Corey Hart from second and Fielder singled him home.
Yovani Gallardo was not at his best when the Brewers needed him to be. He allowed the Cardinals to come right back and tie the game in the bottom half of the first. Rafael Furcal led off with a solo homer to right field, his second since being traded to the Cardinals, ironically both of them have been against Milwaukee. Albert Pujols said before the game that he needed to do more in these games against the Brewers and made good on that statement when he went yard to left center.
In total Gallardo gave up five runs, four earned, on seven hits in five innings of work. It was a poor performance, one he has not had in quite some time. Milwaukee could have dealt a serious blow to their rival by putting them six games back, but now they are only four, with plenty of time to catch up.
Gallardo does not deserve total blame for the loss, considering the Brewers have overcome five runs on many occasions. The offense is equally responsible if not more so. They got the hits needed to win, in fact they had more men on base then the Cardinals did. It was the four double plays, three of them inning-ending, that haunted them and any chance of winning the game. Every time it looked as if the Brewers were about to get it going again, someone would hit into a double play and the threat was over.
The defense is also at fault for committing two errors that aided the Cardinals cause.
"I thought we played real well the last two days, but today was a little bit sloppy," said manager Ron Roenicke.
The Brewers went 5-1 on the road trip, which is exceptional considering their previous woes away from Miller Park. They now return home to face the struggling Pirates in hopes of padding their division lead.
Cardinals 5, Brewers 2
W: Carpenter (8-8) L: Gallardo (13-8) SV: Salas (22)
Too many mistakes on the Brewers behalf led to a missed opportunity, a chance to sweep the Cardinals on their home turf.
Milwaukee continued their first inning dominance when Mark Kotsay and Prince Fielder each recorded RBIs to give the Brewers an early lead. Kotsay hit a line drive double to score Corey Hart from second and Fielder singled him home.
Yovani Gallardo was not at his best when the Brewers needed him to be. He allowed the Cardinals to come right back and tie the game in the bottom half of the first. Rafael Furcal led off with a solo homer to right field, his second since being traded to the Cardinals, ironically both of them have been against Milwaukee. Albert Pujols said before the game that he needed to do more in these games against the Brewers and made good on that statement when he went yard to left center.
In total Gallardo gave up five runs, four earned, on seven hits in five innings of work. It was a poor performance, one he has not had in quite some time. Milwaukee could have dealt a serious blow to their rival by putting them six games back, but now they are only four, with plenty of time to catch up.
Gallardo does not deserve total blame for the loss, considering the Brewers have overcome five runs on many occasions. The offense is equally responsible if not more so. They got the hits needed to win, in fact they had more men on base then the Cardinals did. It was the four double plays, three of them inning-ending, that haunted them and any chance of winning the game. Every time it looked as if the Brewers were about to get it going again, someone would hit into a double play and the threat was over.
The defense is also at fault for committing two errors that aided the Cardinals cause.
"I thought we played real well the last two days, but today was a little bit sloppy," said manager Ron Roenicke.
The Brewers went 5-1 on the road trip, which is exceptional considering their previous woes away from Miller Park. They now return home to face the struggling Pirates in hopes of padding their division lead.
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
Gallardo dominates in Brew win
From Friday, August 5th, 2011
Brewers 8, Astros 1
W: Gallardo (13-7) L: Happ (4-14)
These are the games that must be won by the Brewers. Obviously Milwaukee must beat the other contending teams, most specifically St. Louis, but they must also lay down the hammer on the weak teams to stay in contention. They did just that Friday night in an all around impressive victory.
Yovani Gallardo was exceptional in a commanding performance that made his skipper proud. His teammates stood in awe as he chewed up and spit out the Astro batters one by one. Gallardo pitched a solid eight innings and only allowed one earned run on four hits. His six strikeouts are a tribute to how well he controlled the game.
The early run support might have had some effect on Gallardo's performance. Milwaukee jumped on the Astros early scoring three runs in the first. Corey Hart led off the game with a walk and Jerry Hairston followed with a single in his first start as a Brewer. Ryan Braun doubled on a line drive to left field that easily scored Hart and moved Hairston to third. After Prince Fielder lined out, Casey McGehee singled which got home Hairston and Braun.
Houston got their only run of the game in the second inning when Humberto Quintero singled with one out and the bases loaded. Yovani quickly got the next two batters to end the only threat of the game from the home team.
The Brewers scored another three runs in the third which started with a Braun single. Fielder followed with a double and McGehee walked to load the bases with zero outs. Yuniesky Betancourt continued to swing a hot bat as he single to get one run in. Felipe Lopez got his first RBI since returning to the Brewers, when he hit a sacrifice fly to center field that had plenty of room to score Fielder. Jonathan Lucroy capped off the run with a single to give Milwaukee a 6-1 lead.
Hart homered for the 16th time this season and Lucroy walked with the bases loaded to get his second RBI of the game to give the Brewers their final two runs.
All the pieces of the puzzle fell in place in this game and now the only thing to do is build on it. The Brewers must keep accelerating with momentum and piling up wins to keep pace with the teams that are chasing them. There is no time to take a break, that is what the off-season is for. Now is when every player must bunker down, keep their head forward and give everything they got for the next six weeks.
Brewers 8, Astros 1
W: Gallardo (13-7) L: Happ (4-14)
These are the games that must be won by the Brewers. Obviously Milwaukee must beat the other contending teams, most specifically St. Louis, but they must also lay down the hammer on the weak teams to stay in contention. They did just that Friday night in an all around impressive victory.
Yovani Gallardo was exceptional in a commanding performance that made his skipper proud. His teammates stood in awe as he chewed up and spit out the Astro batters one by one. Gallardo pitched a solid eight innings and only allowed one earned run on four hits. His six strikeouts are a tribute to how well he controlled the game.
The early run support might have had some effect on Gallardo's performance. Milwaukee jumped on the Astros early scoring three runs in the first. Corey Hart led off the game with a walk and Jerry Hairston followed with a single in his first start as a Brewer. Ryan Braun doubled on a line drive to left field that easily scored Hart and moved Hairston to third. After Prince Fielder lined out, Casey McGehee singled which got home Hairston and Braun.
Houston got their only run of the game in the second inning when Humberto Quintero singled with one out and the bases loaded. Yovani quickly got the next two batters to end the only threat of the game from the home team.
The Brewers scored another three runs in the third which started with a Braun single. Fielder followed with a double and McGehee walked to load the bases with zero outs. Yuniesky Betancourt continued to swing a hot bat as he single to get one run in. Felipe Lopez got his first RBI since returning to the Brewers, when he hit a sacrifice fly to center field that had plenty of room to score Fielder. Jonathan Lucroy capped off the run with a single to give Milwaukee a 6-1 lead.
Hart homered for the 16th time this season and Lucroy walked with the bases loaded to get his second RBI of the game to give the Brewers their final two runs.
All the pieces of the puzzle fell in place in this game and now the only thing to do is build on it. The Brewers must keep accelerating with momentum and piling up wins to keep pace with the teams that are chasing them. There is no time to take a break, that is what the off-season is for. Now is when every player must bunker down, keep their head forward and give everything they got for the next six weeks.
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
Homers propel Brewers to victory
Brewers 11, Diamondbacks 3
W: Gallardo (11-6) L: Enright (1-4)
The Brewers hit five home runs and Yovani Gallardo pitched well in a convincing win over the Diamondbacks.
Who would have guessed that everyone in the starting lineup, including the pitcher, would have a hit but Prince Fielder. It is a good sign when the team puts up big numbers and the best player goes 0 for 5. It seems last night was the final straw for Milwaukee as they recorded nearly five times as many hits as yesterday, not to mention eleven more runs. The Brewers know they are a good team and they also know when enough is enough. They are not suppose to get shut out and three hits in a game should never happen, especially when every person on the team can go yard.
Milwaukee got off to a fast start with a five-run first inning. Corey Hart lead off with a monster home run to center field that got the Brewers rolling. Nyjer Morgan then hit a single to left. Ryan Braun welcomed himself back to the starting lineup with a bang. He crushed a two-run homer to left field and slowly jogged around the bases to ensure no injury would take place. With two outs, Casey McGehee blasted a full-count single up the middle and Yuniesky Betancourt followed it up with a two-run slam of his own. Jonathan Lucroy singled to get Gallardo to the plate as the Brewers hit through the lineup.
It was the first time in Arizona Diamondback history that a team hit at least three home runs in the first inning. It was the 15th time in Brewer franchise history to hit at least three homers in an inning.
With the much needed run support, Gallardo gave Milwaukee fans a little scare by giving up two runs, none earned, in the first inning after Betancourt's throwing error. The right-hander settled down as he only allowed three runs, one earned, on four hits in six innings pitched. His six strikeouts were key in keeping Arizona's offense on edge.
The Brewers had a strange, but exciting sixth inning. After Betancourt and Jonathan Lucroy reached base on infield singles, Gallardo attempted to bunt but could not get it down. He worked the count full and drew the walk from Zach Duke. Arizona brought in a new pitcher to get out of the zero out, bases loaded mess. Hart was down in the count 0-2 and came all the way back to draw a walk of his own, which brought home Betancourt. The very next pitch struck Morgan in the right knee to bring home another run as the Arizona fans booed loudly. Carlos Gomez came in the game for Ryan Braun and collected a walk for his 18th RBI of the season. Without the Brewers hitting a single ball to the outfield they added three runs to their lead.
This was a tremendous road victory for Milwaukee as they try to keep pace with Pittsburgh and St. Louis. The Pirates continue to be a half game ahead in first place.
It is extremely important the Brewers build off of this win because it was a complete team success. Any time this type of game happens, the momentum must carry forward and be taken advantage of. Milwaukee now has a chance to put the pressure on the other organizations in the division and continue to win away from Miller Park. Slowly but surely it will happen and when it becomes consistent, the Brewers will be a squad to be reckoned with.
W: Gallardo (11-6) L: Enright (1-4)
The Brewers hit five home runs and Yovani Gallardo pitched well in a convincing win over the Diamondbacks.
Who would have guessed that everyone in the starting lineup, including the pitcher, would have a hit but Prince Fielder. It is a good sign when the team puts up big numbers and the best player goes 0 for 5. It seems last night was the final straw for Milwaukee as they recorded nearly five times as many hits as yesterday, not to mention eleven more runs. The Brewers know they are a good team and they also know when enough is enough. They are not suppose to get shut out and three hits in a game should never happen, especially when every person on the team can go yard.
Milwaukee got off to a fast start with a five-run first inning. Corey Hart lead off with a monster home run to center field that got the Brewers rolling. Nyjer Morgan then hit a single to left. Ryan Braun welcomed himself back to the starting lineup with a bang. He crushed a two-run homer to left field and slowly jogged around the bases to ensure no injury would take place. With two outs, Casey McGehee blasted a full-count single up the middle and Yuniesky Betancourt followed it up with a two-run slam of his own. Jonathan Lucroy singled to get Gallardo to the plate as the Brewers hit through the lineup.
It was the first time in Arizona Diamondback history that a team hit at least three home runs in the first inning. It was the 15th time in Brewer franchise history to hit at least three homers in an inning.
With the much needed run support, Gallardo gave Milwaukee fans a little scare by giving up two runs, none earned, in the first inning after Betancourt's throwing error. The right-hander settled down as he only allowed three runs, one earned, on four hits in six innings pitched. His six strikeouts were key in keeping Arizona's offense on edge.
The Brewers had a strange, but exciting sixth inning. After Betancourt and Jonathan Lucroy reached base on infield singles, Gallardo attempted to bunt but could not get it down. He worked the count full and drew the walk from Zach Duke. Arizona brought in a new pitcher to get out of the zero out, bases loaded mess. Hart was down in the count 0-2 and came all the way back to draw a walk of his own, which brought home Betancourt. The very next pitch struck Morgan in the right knee to bring home another run as the Arizona fans booed loudly. Carlos Gomez came in the game for Ryan Braun and collected a walk for his 18th RBI of the season. Without the Brewers hitting a single ball to the outfield they added three runs to their lead.
This was a tremendous road victory for Milwaukee as they try to keep pace with Pittsburgh and St. Louis. The Pirates continue to be a half game ahead in first place.
It is extremely important the Brewers build off of this win because it was a complete team success. Any time this type of game happens, the momentum must carry forward and be taken advantage of. Milwaukee now has a chance to put the pressure on the other organizations in the division and continue to win away from Miller Park. Slowly but surely it will happen and when it becomes consistent, the Brewers will be a squad to be reckoned with.
Friday, July 15, 2011
Rockies crush Brewers
Rockies 12, Brewers 3
W: Jimenez (5-8) L: Gallardo (10-6)
Yovani Gallardo did the complete opposite of what the Brewers needed in the first game of an 11-day road trip, last only four innings.
Gallardo gave up six earned runs on eleven hits raising his ERA to 4.08. Since he only lasted four innings, Milwaukee had to use four relievers in a losing effort. Marco Estrada gave up one earned run in two innings pitched, Zack Braddock gave up four earned runs without recording an out, Kameron Loe pitched a run-free inning, and Hawkins finished the game allowing an unearned run. This is not what the Brewers had in mind coming off the All-Star break, especially when there is currently a tight race in the division.
Everything Brewer fans hoped would change did not and manager Ron Roenicke still sees a lot of inconsistency.
Ryan Braun blasted a first inning double to extend his career-best hit streak to 23 games as his sights are set on the franchise record of 39. Prince Fielder followed it up with a double of his own to score Braun and give Gallardo some early run support. In the second inning, Yovani helped his own cause by hitting a double to score Yuniesky Betancort which gave the Brewers a 2-1 lead. Unfortunately, the game spun out of control and went downhill fast. The runs came in bunches and there was nothing Milwaukee to do but watch helplessly.
Corey Hart homered to right field in the ninth inning for his eleventh of the year.
This is a crucial stretch of games for Milwaukee and it is vital for them to come out of this road trip ahead. There is no room for error, so if this is the type of game to get the ugly out of the way then so be it. I'll sacrifice one loss for the greater good of the season. Be sure to tune in tomorrow night as Chris Narveson and the Brewers get revenge on the Rockies.
W: Jimenez (5-8) L: Gallardo (10-6)
Yovani Gallardo did the complete opposite of what the Brewers needed in the first game of an 11-day road trip, last only four innings.
Gallardo gave up six earned runs on eleven hits raising his ERA to 4.08. Since he only lasted four innings, Milwaukee had to use four relievers in a losing effort. Marco Estrada gave up one earned run in two innings pitched, Zack Braddock gave up four earned runs without recording an out, Kameron Loe pitched a run-free inning, and Hawkins finished the game allowing an unearned run. This is not what the Brewers had in mind coming off the All-Star break, especially when there is currently a tight race in the division.
Everything Brewer fans hoped would change did not and manager Ron Roenicke still sees a lot of inconsistency.
Ryan Braun blasted a first inning double to extend his career-best hit streak to 23 games as his sights are set on the franchise record of 39. Prince Fielder followed it up with a double of his own to score Braun and give Gallardo some early run support. In the second inning, Yovani helped his own cause by hitting a double to score Yuniesky Betancort which gave the Brewers a 2-1 lead. Unfortunately, the game spun out of control and went downhill fast. The runs came in bunches and there was nothing Milwaukee to do but watch helplessly.
Corey Hart homered to right field in the ninth inning for his eleventh of the year.
This is a crucial stretch of games for Milwaukee and it is vital for them to come out of this road trip ahead. There is no room for error, so if this is the type of game to get the ugly out of the way then so be it. I'll sacrifice one loss for the greater good of the season. Be sure to tune in tomorrow night as Chris Narveson and the Brewers get revenge on the Rockies.
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
NL All-Star starting lineup, Braun and Gallardo updates
NATIONAL LEAGUE ALL-STAR STARTING LINEUP
Rickie Weeks has had such an incredible impact as a leadoff hitter this season that Bruce Bochy figures why not utilize that success on Tuesday night. Weeks will hit leadoff for the National League in the All-Star game. It was a tough decision for Bochy to make, but with the power and speed of Weeks, it should be the right move.
"If you look at our lineup, he makes the most sense," Bochy said. "He's been doing it, but I don't think there's a stronger hitting second baseman in the game. He's got great power, and he's really gotten better as a hitter with his discipline. He has speed and can steal you a base, and he's one of those leadoff hitters you have to be careful with. You can't say, 'All right, I'm going to walk him,' because he can beat you with the long ball."
The starting lineup is as follows:
1. Rickie Weeks, second base
2. Carlos Beltran, designated hitter
3. Matt Kemp, center field
4. Prince Fielder, first base
5. Brian McCann, catcher
6. Lance Berkman, right field
7. Matt Holliday, left field
8. Troy Tulowitzki, shortstop
9. Scott Rolen, third base
The National League starting nine will have plenty of fire power to get after American League starter Jared Weaver. Weeks, Beltran, and Kemp all bring power, but more importantly, speed to a relatively quick lineup. If they can get on in front of Fielder, McCann, and Berkman it will be a long day for Weaver. Everyone has the AL beating the NL on paper but I disagree. This is a group to be reckoned with and I think they will prove it tonight.
RYAN BRAUN SHOULD BE READY
After Ryan Braun took himself out of the All-Star game, he envisioned himself getting healthy and preparing to start Thursday night to kick off the second half of the season. Braun still went to Arizona to root on his fellow teammates Fielder and Weeks, but will not participate in any of the festivities.
I am personally disappointed that Braun will not be able to play in the Midsummer Classic, but I am grateful that he is responsible enough to realize that the team and winning is more important that any personal conflicts he may have. By no means will this be Braun's last All-Star game so I am sure that made the decision a little easier on him.
YOVANI GALLARDO TO START OFF SECOND-HALF OF SEASON
Gallardo will get the ball Thursday night against Ubaldo Jimenez and the Rockies. Yovani started opening day for the Brewers so it seems fitting that he starts the second opener as well. He has been throwing the ball good as of late, which I am sure is why Milwaukee's manager Ron Roenicke has opted to go with him. Zack Grienke's struggles probably had something to do with it as well.
Roenicke has preached consistency the entire season and he is not happy with the inconsistency of his ball club towards the end of the first half.
"Everybody's going to have a bad game defensively, or offensively, or even pitching, but to have these streaks where we play bad for a week, we're going to have to stop doing that if we want to end up trying to win this division."
I cannot agree more with Roenicke. The Brewers had to many patches in the first half of the season where they would just play terrible baseball. There is no excuse for that considering the talent they have on their roster. Milwaukee has a legitimate shot at winning the division for the first time in nearly three decades, but they will not do it unless they have a dependable starting rotation and steady offense for the rest of the year.
Milwaukee will have a three city, eleven day road trip to start out the second half and will play the Chicago Cubs when they return to Miller Park on July 26th.
Rickie Weeks has had such an incredible impact as a leadoff hitter this season that Bruce Bochy figures why not utilize that success on Tuesday night. Weeks will hit leadoff for the National League in the All-Star game. It was a tough decision for Bochy to make, but with the power and speed of Weeks, it should be the right move.
"If you look at our lineup, he makes the most sense," Bochy said. "He's been doing it, but I don't think there's a stronger hitting second baseman in the game. He's got great power, and he's really gotten better as a hitter with his discipline. He has speed and can steal you a base, and he's one of those leadoff hitters you have to be careful with. You can't say, 'All right, I'm going to walk him,' because he can beat you with the long ball."
The starting lineup is as follows:
1. Rickie Weeks, second base
2. Carlos Beltran, designated hitter
3. Matt Kemp, center field
4. Prince Fielder, first base
5. Brian McCann, catcher
6. Lance Berkman, right field
7. Matt Holliday, left field
8. Troy Tulowitzki, shortstop
9. Scott Rolen, third base
The National League starting nine will have plenty of fire power to get after American League starter Jared Weaver. Weeks, Beltran, and Kemp all bring power, but more importantly, speed to a relatively quick lineup. If they can get on in front of Fielder, McCann, and Berkman it will be a long day for Weaver. Everyone has the AL beating the NL on paper but I disagree. This is a group to be reckoned with and I think they will prove it tonight.
RYAN BRAUN SHOULD BE READY
After Ryan Braun took himself out of the All-Star game, he envisioned himself getting healthy and preparing to start Thursday night to kick off the second half of the season. Braun still went to Arizona to root on his fellow teammates Fielder and Weeks, but will not participate in any of the festivities.
I am personally disappointed that Braun will not be able to play in the Midsummer Classic, but I am grateful that he is responsible enough to realize that the team and winning is more important that any personal conflicts he may have. By no means will this be Braun's last All-Star game so I am sure that made the decision a little easier on him.
YOVANI GALLARDO TO START OFF SECOND-HALF OF SEASON
Gallardo will get the ball Thursday night against Ubaldo Jimenez and the Rockies. Yovani started opening day for the Brewers so it seems fitting that he starts the second opener as well. He has been throwing the ball good as of late, which I am sure is why Milwaukee's manager Ron Roenicke has opted to go with him. Zack Grienke's struggles probably had something to do with it as well.
Roenicke has preached consistency the entire season and he is not happy with the inconsistency of his ball club towards the end of the first half.
"Everybody's going to have a bad game defensively, or offensively, or even pitching, but to have these streaks where we play bad for a week, we're going to have to stop doing that if we want to end up trying to win this division."
I cannot agree more with Roenicke. The Brewers had to many patches in the first half of the season where they would just play terrible baseball. There is no excuse for that considering the talent they have on their roster. Milwaukee has a legitimate shot at winning the division for the first time in nearly three decades, but they will not do it unless they have a dependable starting rotation and steady offense for the rest of the year.
Milwaukee will have a three city, eleven day road trip to start out the second half and will play the Chicago Cubs when they return to Miller Park on July 26th.
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
McGehee's blast propels Brew to victory
Brewers 3, Diamondbacks 1
W: Gallardo (10-5) L: Paterson (0-2) SV: Axford (22)
Casey McGehee is back, at least for now. His three-run pinch-hit home run launched the Brewers past the Diamondbacks for a much needed victory.
Yovani Gallardo pitched seven innings of outstanding baseball. He surrendered only one earned run on four hits and made sure the Brewers were in it the entire game. LaTroy Hawkins got the hold after pitching a great eighth inning. He has now lowered his ERA to 0.78, best on the team. John Axford mowed through all three batters in the ninth as he recorded his 22nd save of the season, seventh best in the league. As good as these three men played today there was someone who performed even better.
A slump does not even begin to describe what Casey McGehee has been in for most of the season. We are talking about a guy who hit over 100 RBIs last season serving as protection for two of the biggest hitters in the game, talk about expectations. Every Brewers fan out there assumed he would be able to do the same thing this year. Unfortunately for everyone, especially McGehee, he just has not seemed to be able to get it going. Milwaukee has tried everything from letting him play through it, to resting him a day or two, to sitting him an entire series. Nothing has seemed to work, frustrating everyone associated with the Brewers.
Milwaukee skipper Ron Roenicke never lost faith in Casey and it has shown. So many times over the past few weeks, Roenicke would stick McGehee in crucial situations with the hope that he would deliver. Regrettably he never did get the job done in those scenarios. In fact, the last time he did was April 10th against the Cubs, ironically a day where he also hit a big pinch-hit homer.
After Prince Fielder struck out swinging to start the bottom of the seventh inning, Mark Kotsay and Jonathan Lucroy both singled to get on base. When Mat Gamel was pulled back to the bench for McGehee, most of the fans in Milwaukee probably growled with anger and disbelief. So many times the Brewer fans have seen this happen unsuccessfully, but today was the day that McGehee earned a little trust back. With a full count and the runners on the move, McGehee blasted a no-doubter to right center field. The crowd went wild as Casey ran the bases enthusiastically. As he got to Milwaukee's dugout, every player and personnel slapped hands with him. He then threw down his helmet with all his might and let out a roar.
With one swing of the bat, Casey not only won the game, but gave the Brewers and their fans hope that this season is a long way from over. They already had a taste of first place and it was to sweet to let go without a fight.
W: Gallardo (10-5) L: Paterson (0-2) SV: Axford (22)
Casey McGehee is back, at least for now. His three-run pinch-hit home run launched the Brewers past the Diamondbacks for a much needed victory.
Yovani Gallardo pitched seven innings of outstanding baseball. He surrendered only one earned run on four hits and made sure the Brewers were in it the entire game. LaTroy Hawkins got the hold after pitching a great eighth inning. He has now lowered his ERA to 0.78, best on the team. John Axford mowed through all three batters in the ninth as he recorded his 22nd save of the season, seventh best in the league. As good as these three men played today there was someone who performed even better.
A slump does not even begin to describe what Casey McGehee has been in for most of the season. We are talking about a guy who hit over 100 RBIs last season serving as protection for two of the biggest hitters in the game, talk about expectations. Every Brewers fan out there assumed he would be able to do the same thing this year. Unfortunately for everyone, especially McGehee, he just has not seemed to be able to get it going. Milwaukee has tried everything from letting him play through it, to resting him a day or two, to sitting him an entire series. Nothing has seemed to work, frustrating everyone associated with the Brewers.
Milwaukee skipper Ron Roenicke never lost faith in Casey and it has shown. So many times over the past few weeks, Roenicke would stick McGehee in crucial situations with the hope that he would deliver. Regrettably he never did get the job done in those scenarios. In fact, the last time he did was April 10th against the Cubs, ironically a day where he also hit a big pinch-hit homer.
After Prince Fielder struck out swinging to start the bottom of the seventh inning, Mark Kotsay and Jonathan Lucroy both singled to get on base. When Mat Gamel was pulled back to the bench for McGehee, most of the fans in Milwaukee probably growled with anger and disbelief. So many times the Brewer fans have seen this happen unsuccessfully, but today was the day that McGehee earned a little trust back. With a full count and the runners on the move, McGehee blasted a no-doubter to right center field. The crowd went wild as Casey ran the bases enthusiastically. As he got to Milwaukee's dugout, every player and personnel slapped hands with him. He then threw down his helmet with all his might and let out a roar.
With one swing of the bat, Casey not only won the game, but gave the Brewers and their fans hope that this season is a long way from over. They already had a taste of first place and it was to sweet to let go without a fight.
Tuesday, July 5, 2011
Gomez strikes first but Brewers fall
From: Friday, July 1, 2011
Twins 6, Brewers 2
W: Liriano (5-7) L: Gallardo (9-5)
Carlos Gomez continued his dominance against his former team. After hitting a home run against the Twins when they visited Miller Park last weekend, Gomez was at it again. This time he hit a solo homer in the top of the first inning to give Gallardo some early run support. Unfortunately, the lead did not last long.
Yovani Gallardo gave up five runs, three earned, on five hits in seven innings pitched. The real damage was done by Jim Thome in the bottom of the first. After Gallardo recorded two outs, he allowed the next two batters to reach base. Jim Thome did what he does best and cranked a three-run home run to center field. The Brewers could never recover from it and the game was over right as it started.
Gallardo's numbers this year have been troubling. Prior to this season, in 85 games pitched he has given up four three-run home runs and one grand slam. This season he has already conceded five three-run home runs in 18 games played.
Home runs are not necessarily bad to give up. Yes, they allow runs on the board, but if they are solo shots then they can be easily overcome. The problem is when there are men on base and homers are given up, that is when the real trouble begins. Regrettably, this has been a bad trend for the Brewers this year. Milwaukee pitchers have allowed a staggering 43 home runs with men on base. With these results the Brewer's record will fall and first place will be hard to get back to.
Since Milwaukee has been on a losing streak the past week, St. Louis has decided to take advantage and regain first place. With their fourth consecutive loss, the Brewers fell one game back of the Cardinals as they won their fourth consecutive game.
Good news that can be taken from this game is that Ryan Braun has extended his hitting streak to 21 games with an RBI single. It is the longest active hitting streak in baseball by a wide margin.
Twins 6, Brewers 2
W: Liriano (5-7) L: Gallardo (9-5)
Carlos Gomez continued his dominance against his former team. After hitting a home run against the Twins when they visited Miller Park last weekend, Gomez was at it again. This time he hit a solo homer in the top of the first inning to give Gallardo some early run support. Unfortunately, the lead did not last long.
Yovani Gallardo gave up five runs, three earned, on five hits in seven innings pitched. The real damage was done by Jim Thome in the bottom of the first. After Gallardo recorded two outs, he allowed the next two batters to reach base. Jim Thome did what he does best and cranked a three-run home run to center field. The Brewers could never recover from it and the game was over right as it started.
Gallardo's numbers this year have been troubling. Prior to this season, in 85 games pitched he has given up four three-run home runs and one grand slam. This season he has already conceded five three-run home runs in 18 games played.
Home runs are not necessarily bad to give up. Yes, they allow runs on the board, but if they are solo shots then they can be easily overcome. The problem is when there are men on base and homers are given up, that is when the real trouble begins. Regrettably, this has been a bad trend for the Brewers this year. Milwaukee pitchers have allowed a staggering 43 home runs with men on base. With these results the Brewer's record will fall and first place will be hard to get back to.
Since Milwaukee has been on a losing streak the past week, St. Louis has decided to take advantage and regain first place. With their fourth consecutive loss, the Brewers fell one game back of the Cardinals as they won their fourth consecutive game.
Good news that can be taken from this game is that Ryan Braun has extended his hitting streak to 21 games with an RBI single. It is the longest active hitting streak in baseball by a wide margin.
Sunday, June 26, 2011
Brewer bats break out
Brewers 11, Twins 1
W: Gallardo (9-4) L: Liriano (4-7)
It's about time. The offense finally unleashes what it is capable of and the Brewer's inescapably dominate the Twins. Every fan in Milwaukee has been waiting for a night like this. A night where everything is going right and the Brewers finally beat a team by ten runs.
Four home runs made up half of the run support. Carlos Gomez set off a five-run third inning with his two-run homer to left field. Yuniesky Betancourt hit an inside-the-park home run when the ball bounced off the glove of Twins outfielder Delmon Young, who crashed into the wall afterward. Young sprained his left ankle on the play and had to be carted off. Prince Fielder hit a two-run home run, his 21st of the season, along with his league leading 67 RBI's. Fielder is now second all-time in Brewer's franchise with 213 home runs. Robin Yount holds the record with 251 home runs. Corey Hart tacked on to the lead with a solo shot in the ninth inning for good measure.
Yovani Gallardo pitched a great game, giving up only one earned run on six hits in seven innings for his ninth win of the season. He also had six strike outs giving him a total of 94 on the year. Gallardo leads the team in both wins and strikeouts.
The Brewers guaranteed their first interleague series win of the season and will look to sweep the Twins on Sunday afternoon when Chris Narveson takes the mound.
W: Gallardo (9-4) L: Liriano (4-7)
It's about time. The offense finally unleashes what it is capable of and the Brewer's inescapably dominate the Twins. Every fan in Milwaukee has been waiting for a night like this. A night where everything is going right and the Brewers finally beat a team by ten runs.
Four home runs made up half of the run support. Carlos Gomez set off a five-run third inning with his two-run homer to left field. Yuniesky Betancourt hit an inside-the-park home run when the ball bounced off the glove of Twins outfielder Delmon Young, who crashed into the wall afterward. Young sprained his left ankle on the play and had to be carted off. Prince Fielder hit a two-run home run, his 21st of the season, along with his league leading 67 RBI's. Fielder is now second all-time in Brewer's franchise with 213 home runs. Robin Yount holds the record with 251 home runs. Corey Hart tacked on to the lead with a solo shot in the ninth inning for good measure.
Yovani Gallardo pitched a great game, giving up only one earned run on six hits in seven innings for his ninth win of the season. He also had six strike outs giving him a total of 94 on the year. Gallardo leads the team in both wins and strikeouts.
The Brewers guaranteed their first interleague series win of the season and will look to sweep the Twins on Sunday afternoon when Chris Narveson takes the mound.
Monday, June 20, 2011
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.
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