From Wednesday, July 27, 2011
Brewers 2, Cubs 0
W: Grienke (8-4) L: Zambrano (7-6) SV: Axford (29)
Zack Grienke is beginning to look like the Cy Young winner the Brewers were hoping they acquired this past off-season.
Grienke pitched unbelievably as he fooled the Chicago hitters all night. All of his pitches were working and he looked very comfortable on the mound. Zack did not allow a single earned run and only gave up three hits in 6.2 innings pitched. His nine strikeouts are a testament to why the Cubs could not hit as he lowered his staggering ERA to 4.50. This is exactly what Doug Melvin had in mind when he traded for him and this is precisely how Grienke must play from here on out if the Brewers want a chance at the division title.
The always scary Carlos Zambrano pitched well himself, but it was not enough as the Brewers got six hits and two earned runs off him. Prince Fielder crushed a solo shot to left field in the bottom of the second inning to give the Brewers the lead.
Rickie Weeks followed it up with a an infield single that he barely beat out. Unfortunately, when Weeks stretched out for the bag his left foot got caught on it which made him fall violently to the ground. Rickie laid face down in excruciating pain as the Miller Park crowd fell silent. The athletic trainer eventually got him to his feet but the damage was done. Weeks suffered a sprained ankle that will put him on the disabled list for two to six weeks.
Craig Counsell came into the game for Rickie. Casey McGehee doubled to left field which put runners on second and third. Yuniesky Betancourt smacked a sacrifice fly to deep right field that gave Counsell plenty of room to score.
Two runs was all the offense the Brewers needed as manager Ron Roenicke handed the ball over to his skillful bullpen. Takashi Saito retired the only batter he saw in one-third of an inning. Francisco Rodriguez continued his role as the set-up man in the eighth. He surrendered one hit and struck out Tony Campana to secure the hold.
John Axford came in the ninth to close the game out. He converted his 26th consecutive save and 29th of the year. The Ax-Man now holds the franchise record for most consecutive saves in a season. Nobody knew who he was at the beginning of last year and now he is making noise as one of the best closers in the game. With the Brewers bullpen ERA dropping at a rapid pace, they have a serious shot at becoming the most feared group of relievers in all of baseball. What a way to drive towards the playoffs.
Showing posts with label Zack Grienke. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Zack Grienke. Show all posts
Friday, July 29, 2011
Friday, July 22, 2011
Kennedy to much for Brew in loss
Diamondbacks 4, Brewers 0
W: Kennedy (11-3) L: Greinke (7-4)
Arizona's starting pitcher Ian Kennedy threw one heck of a game at the Brewers. He had every pitch working, with his fastball in the low 90's and the rest of his repertoire moving all over the plate. The Brewer batters were stumped and when they finally got something going they could not get anyone home.
Zack Grienke pitched another good game as he allowed two earned runs on five hits in seven innings and got his strikeout quota with seven. Both runs came on solo homers in the fourth inning courtesy of Justin Upton and Miguel Montero. The Brewers did not lose because a lack of pitching and Zack did everything he could to give Milwaukee a chance to win. Fans expect Grienke to throw lights out every game and not give up a run. When a starting pitcher goes seven innings and only gives up two earned runs, it is pretty much the same thing as giving up nothing.
Milwaukee's offense needed to bail their starter out and they failed to do so. Prince Fielder continues his slump with another 0 for 4 night with three strikeouts. He has now gone 1 for 19 in the series and is a major reason why the Brewers have not scored many runs. Yuniesky Betancourt was the only player to record two hits out of the total six Milwaukee had on the night.
LaTroy Hawkins gave up two earned runs of his own in the eighth inning to raise his season ERA to 2.22.
The Brewers are now at a stand still with the Pirates for first place in the division. Pittsburgh will play St. Louis over the weekend which means Milwaukee must break out the bats in San Francisco. With the Pirates and Cardinals playing each other it is a perfect opportunity for the Brewers to gain ground in the NL Central. Shaun Marcum will take on Matt Cain Friday night in an assumed pitcher's duel that should be thrilling.
W: Kennedy (11-3) L: Greinke (7-4)
Arizona's starting pitcher Ian Kennedy threw one heck of a game at the Brewers. He had every pitch working, with his fastball in the low 90's and the rest of his repertoire moving all over the plate. The Brewer batters were stumped and when they finally got something going they could not get anyone home.
Zack Grienke pitched another good game as he allowed two earned runs on five hits in seven innings and got his strikeout quota with seven. Both runs came on solo homers in the fourth inning courtesy of Justin Upton and Miguel Montero. The Brewers did not lose because a lack of pitching and Zack did everything he could to give Milwaukee a chance to win. Fans expect Grienke to throw lights out every game and not give up a run. When a starting pitcher goes seven innings and only gives up two earned runs, it is pretty much the same thing as giving up nothing.
Milwaukee's offense needed to bail their starter out and they failed to do so. Prince Fielder continues his slump with another 0 for 4 night with three strikeouts. He has now gone 1 for 19 in the series and is a major reason why the Brewers have not scored many runs. Yuniesky Betancourt was the only player to record two hits out of the total six Milwaukee had on the night.
LaTroy Hawkins gave up two earned runs of his own in the eighth inning to raise his season ERA to 2.22.
The Brewers are now at a stand still with the Pirates for first place in the division. Pittsburgh will play St. Louis over the weekend which means Milwaukee must break out the bats in San Francisco. With the Pirates and Cardinals playing each other it is a perfect opportunity for the Brewers to gain ground in the NL Central. Shaun Marcum will take on Matt Cain Friday night in an assumed pitcher's duel that should be thrilling.
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.
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Brewers get blasted by Yanks
Yankees 12, Brewers 2
W: Garcia (7-6) L: Grienke (7-3)
The Brewers worst lost of the season could not come at a worse time.
Matt Gamel recorded his first RBI in the majors this season with a single that drove in Prince Fielder. Yuniesky Betancourt got the Brewer's only other RBI of the game on a sacrifice double play that scored Corey Hart. This is as far as the highlights go for Milwaukee.
Zack Grienke pitched two innings of horrendous baseball in a tough loss. He gave up seven earned runs on five hits while walking three and striking out nobody. His ERA has jumped to 5.63, worst among team starting pitchers.
Marco Estrada was not much better when he came in to relieve Grienke. In three innings pitched, he gave up three earned runs on three hits while walking three. In fact all five pitchers in the game for the Brewers were bad. The only person to not give up an earned run was LaTroy Hawkins, whose current ERA is a remarkable 0.44.
In a game like this there is no doubt you blame it on the pitching, but let's be honest, the offense could not get a run in if their life depended on it.
Once again Milwaukee's offense out-hits their opponent but loses the game. The Brewers scored two runs on 11 hits while the Yankees scored 12 runs on 10 hits. The troubling part is this seems to happen against teams the Brewers could face in the playoffs or the World Series. I realize people are laughing at me for saying World Series, but is that not what we are in it for? Did the Brewers not get the pitching they did to make a playoff run? Zack Grienke, Prince Fielder, Shaun Marcum, and the rest of the Brewer's organization are in this for no less than a World Championship. If you want to be the best you must beat the best, and that has yet to be seen.
I know this is a weird time for me to rant about a loss considering it was the New York Yankees who beat the Brewers. I am also aware that the season is long from over, but it's a slippery slope. If changes are not made now then when will they? Milwaukee's road record is the worst in the National League and considering the Brewers are one of three first place teams, it is downright pitiful.
The good news is the Brewers are loaded with talent across the board. I still think when everything comes together, Milwaukee will have one of the best pitching rotations at the end of the year. I also think the offense will keep getting better. The Brewers will be a nightmare for teams to play against towards the end of September and hopefully into October.
W: Garcia (7-6) L: Grienke (7-3)
The Brewers worst lost of the season could not come at a worse time.
Matt Gamel recorded his first RBI in the majors this season with a single that drove in Prince Fielder. Yuniesky Betancourt got the Brewer's only other RBI of the game on a sacrifice double play that scored Corey Hart. This is as far as the highlights go for Milwaukee.
Zack Grienke pitched two innings of horrendous baseball in a tough loss. He gave up seven earned runs on five hits while walking three and striking out nobody. His ERA has jumped to 5.63, worst among team starting pitchers.
Marco Estrada was not much better when he came in to relieve Grienke. In three innings pitched, he gave up three earned runs on three hits while walking three. In fact all five pitchers in the game for the Brewers were bad. The only person to not give up an earned run was LaTroy Hawkins, whose current ERA is a remarkable 0.44.
In a game like this there is no doubt you blame it on the pitching, but let's be honest, the offense could not get a run in if their life depended on it.
Once again Milwaukee's offense out-hits their opponent but loses the game. The Brewers scored two runs on 11 hits while the Yankees scored 12 runs on 10 hits. The troubling part is this seems to happen against teams the Brewers could face in the playoffs or the World Series. I realize people are laughing at me for saying World Series, but is that not what we are in it for? Did the Brewers not get the pitching they did to make a playoff run? Zack Grienke, Prince Fielder, Shaun Marcum, and the rest of the Brewer's organization are in this for no less than a World Championship. If you want to be the best you must beat the best, and that has yet to be seen.
I know this is a weird time for me to rant about a loss considering it was the New York Yankees who beat the Brewers. I am also aware that the season is long from over, but it's a slippery slope. If changes are not made now then when will they? Milwaukee's road record is the worst in the National League and considering the Brewers are one of three first place teams, it is downright pitiful.
The good news is the Brewers are loaded with talent across the board. I still think when everything comes together, Milwaukee will have one of the best pitching rotations at the end of the year. I also think the offense will keep getting better. The Brewers will be a nightmare for teams to play against towards the end of September and hopefully into October.
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
Zack Attack
Brewers 5, Rays 1
W: Grienke (7-2) L: Hellickson (7-6)
Zack Grienke knew the Brewers needed a win badly and so did his manager. Ron Roenicke apparently talked to Zack and told him that the team needed a big game out of him, Grienke was clearly up to the challenge.
Grienke struck out ten batters over seven innings in which he gave up only one earned run. The ten strike outs makes it the 12th time in his career in which he had double digits K's. Zack made the Rays look foolish all night with none of them ever coming close. His ability to pitch like that will take the Brewers a long way this season.
"Three plus pitches...you never know what to expect," said Johnny Damon before the game. "As a hitter you are pretty much playing a guessing game with him."
Damon went 0 for 4 with two strike outs, but it was his defense that really hurt the Rays. The Brewers had bases loaded in the first inning thanks to three walks. Casey McGehee hit a pop up to shallow left field. Weeks tagged up and got home with ease as Damon never even attempted a throw. His defense would only get worse.
Yuniesky Betancourt hit his fourth home run of the season, first since May 20, to give the Brewers a 2-0 lead in the second inning. This would remain the score until the seventh when Grienke would finally give up a run to B.J. Upton. With the bases loaded in the bottom of the seventh, Ryan Braun hit a two-run single to give the Brewers some breathing room.
The next at-bat Johnny Damon's defense would hurt the Rays again, when Prince Fielder singled to left field. Josh Wilson got waved in before he even came close to third base, as Damon scooped the ball and threw a floater that barely got to home plate. Wilson leaped over the catcher and home plate as the ball bounced past him. The pitcher who was backing up home threw the ball to the catcher as Wilson crawled to touch the plate before the tag was applied. A thrilling play that never should have happened if it wasn't for Damon's poor throw.
The Brewers got a much needed overall team win. As for Shaun Marcum pitching Wednesday afternoon, the chances are looking good.
"They didn't trade for me to sit here and watch games," explained Marcum to reporters before the game. "When it's my day to get the ball, I want to go out there and pitch."
W: Grienke (7-2) L: Hellickson (7-6)
Zack Grienke knew the Brewers needed a win badly and so did his manager. Ron Roenicke apparently talked to Zack and told him that the team needed a big game out of him, Grienke was clearly up to the challenge.
Grienke struck out ten batters over seven innings in which he gave up only one earned run. The ten strike outs makes it the 12th time in his career in which he had double digits K's. Zack made the Rays look foolish all night with none of them ever coming close. His ability to pitch like that will take the Brewers a long way this season.
"Three plus pitches...you never know what to expect," said Johnny Damon before the game. "As a hitter you are pretty much playing a guessing game with him."
Damon went 0 for 4 with two strike outs, but it was his defense that really hurt the Rays. The Brewers had bases loaded in the first inning thanks to three walks. Casey McGehee hit a pop up to shallow left field. Weeks tagged up and got home with ease as Damon never even attempted a throw. His defense would only get worse.
Yuniesky Betancourt hit his fourth home run of the season, first since May 20, to give the Brewers a 2-0 lead in the second inning. This would remain the score until the seventh when Grienke would finally give up a run to B.J. Upton. With the bases loaded in the bottom of the seventh, Ryan Braun hit a two-run single to give the Brewers some breathing room.
The next at-bat Johnny Damon's defense would hurt the Rays again, when Prince Fielder singled to left field. Josh Wilson got waved in before he even came close to third base, as Damon scooped the ball and threw a floater that barely got to home plate. Wilson leaped over the catcher and home plate as the ball bounced past him. The pitcher who was backing up home threw the ball to the catcher as Wilson crawled to touch the plate before the tag was applied. A thrilling play that never should have happened if it wasn't for Damon's poor throw.
The Brewers got a much needed overall team win. As for Shaun Marcum pitching Wednesday afternoon, the chances are looking good.
"They didn't trade for me to sit here and watch games," explained Marcum to reporters before the game. "When it's my day to get the ball, I want to go out there and pitch."
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