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.
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
Home run derby teams set
National League:
- Prince Fielder (captain) - Brewers - 22 home runs
- Rickie Weeks - Brewers - 15 home runs
- Matt Kemp - Dodgers - 22 home runs
- Matt Holliday - Cardinals - 12 home runs
American League:
- David Ortiz (captain) - Red Sox - 17 home runs
- Adrian Gonzalez - Red Sox - 16 home runs
- Jose Bautista - Blue Jays - 28 home runs
- Robinson Cano - Yankees - 14 home runs
This year is the first time the NL and AL will hit against each other. Two captains got to pick three players from their respected leagues. Both Fielder and Ortiz chose a teammate, the rest are hard hitting All-Stars. The National League players have a total of 71 home runs thus far this season and the American League players have 75.
The teams are not just playing for pride, but are competing for a charity of their choice. The winning captain will get $150,000 for the charity that he selects. In addition to that, he will be able to donate $100,000 in his name to the Boys & Girls Clubs of America.
Most managers get nervous around this time of year because they do not want their big hitters losing that natural swing. Brewers skipper Ron Roenicke is fine with both Fielder and Weeks competing, as long as they do not alter their swing.
As of right now Fielder will use Brewers Triple-A hitting coach Sandy Guerrero as his pitcher in the derby. Guerrero is the same person Fielder used when he won the home run derby in 2009. Weeks said he will either use Guerrero or Brewers hitting coach Dale Sveum. My guess is he will use Sveum because I am sure Fielder does not want Guerrero to get too tired in case he makes it to the final round.
This should be an exciting contest, not only considering the players involved, but because what is at stake. Pride and charity, it has a nice ring to it.
- Prince Fielder (captain) - Brewers - 22 home runs
- Rickie Weeks - Brewers - 15 home runs
- Matt Kemp - Dodgers - 22 home runs
- Matt Holliday - Cardinals - 12 home runs
American League:
- David Ortiz (captain) - Red Sox - 17 home runs
- Adrian Gonzalez - Red Sox - 16 home runs
- Jose Bautista - Blue Jays - 28 home runs
- Robinson Cano - Yankees - 14 home runs
This year is the first time the NL and AL will hit against each other. Two captains got to pick three players from their respected leagues. Both Fielder and Ortiz chose a teammate, the rest are hard hitting All-Stars. The National League players have a total of 71 home runs thus far this season and the American League players have 75.
The teams are not just playing for pride, but are competing for a charity of their choice. The winning captain will get $150,000 for the charity that he selects. In addition to that, he will be able to donate $100,000 in his name to the Boys & Girls Clubs of America.
Most managers get nervous around this time of year because they do not want their big hitters losing that natural swing. Brewers skipper Ron Roenicke is fine with both Fielder and Weeks competing, as long as they do not alter their swing.
As of right now Fielder will use Brewers Triple-A hitting coach Sandy Guerrero as his pitcher in the derby. Guerrero is the same person Fielder used when he won the home run derby in 2009. Weeks said he will either use Guerrero or Brewers hitting coach Dale Sveum. My guess is he will use Sveum because I am sure Fielder does not want Guerrero to get too tired in case he makes it to the final round.
This should be an exciting contest, not only considering the players involved, but because what is at stake. Pride and charity, it has a nice ring to it.
Two in a row tough for Brew to swallow
Diamondbacks 7, Brewers 3
W: Duke (2-3) L: Wolf (6-6) SV: Hernandez
The night was filled with "firsts" at Miller Park.
It was Arizona's starting pitcher Zach Duke's first victory at Miller Park, but more troubling it was Milwaukee's first back-to-back loss at home this season. Most teams would be thrilled to have their first consecutive losses on their home turf come this late in the season. Unfortunately for the Brewers, it is the circumstances that surround the defeats that are troubling.
Randy Wolf can not blame this debacle on a lack of run support. The Brewers were already down four runs before they even stepped to the plate. Wolf allowed a season high seven earned runs on ten hits in six innings pitched. The Diamondbacks were on him early and did not let up.
Over the past week the Brewers either pitched well or had a prolific offense. It was never together, but at least one was accomplished. Tonight both imploded and it was not a sight to be seen. I understand that Prince Fielder and Corey Hart both homered, but that is nothing unusual. Home runs have always seemed easy for the Brewers to come by. However, a couple of them are not a substitute for offense, at least not when Milwaukee pitches the way they have as of late.
The Brewers have now lost seven of their last eight games. It has gone from troubling to agonizing. A minor setback has now become a major slump.
I realize that all teams have slumps throughout the season and many fans may think this is nothing to be overly concerned about. Let me share some important knowledge with you. Prior to the Yankee's series one week ago, the Brewer's had a three game lead in first place. It was their first three or more game lead in first place since 2007. One week later Milwaukee is in third place, two games behind the first place Cardinals. What took the Brewers three months to accomplish, they lost in one week. Who knows, if the Brewers continue this for one more week they could be out of the pennant race. That is how flimsy baseball standings are, especially when teams reach the top.
Milwaukee can still salvage the predicament they are in. Yovani Gallardo must beat the Diamondbacks tomorrow in the series finale and the Brewers must bring it hard against the Reds for their four-game series this weekend.
W: Duke (2-3) L: Wolf (6-6) SV: Hernandez
The night was filled with "firsts" at Miller Park.
It was Arizona's starting pitcher Zach Duke's first victory at Miller Park, but more troubling it was Milwaukee's first back-to-back loss at home this season. Most teams would be thrilled to have their first consecutive losses on their home turf come this late in the season. Unfortunately for the Brewers, it is the circumstances that surround the defeats that are troubling.
Randy Wolf can not blame this debacle on a lack of run support. The Brewers were already down four runs before they even stepped to the plate. Wolf allowed a season high seven earned runs on ten hits in six innings pitched. The Diamondbacks were on him early and did not let up.
Over the past week the Brewers either pitched well or had a prolific offense. It was never together, but at least one was accomplished. Tonight both imploded and it was not a sight to be seen. I understand that Prince Fielder and Corey Hart both homered, but that is nothing unusual. Home runs have always seemed easy for the Brewers to come by. However, a couple of them are not a substitute for offense, at least not when Milwaukee pitches the way they have as of late.
The Brewers have now lost seven of their last eight games. It has gone from troubling to agonizing. A minor setback has now become a major slump.
I realize that all teams have slumps throughout the season and many fans may think this is nothing to be overly concerned about. Let me share some important knowledge with you. Prior to the Yankee's series one week ago, the Brewer's had a three game lead in first place. It was their first three or more game lead in first place since 2007. One week later Milwaukee is in third place, two games behind the first place Cardinals. What took the Brewers three months to accomplish, they lost in one week. Who knows, if the Brewers continue this for one more week they could be out of the pennant race. That is how flimsy baseball standings are, especially when teams reach the top.
Milwaukee can still salvage the predicament they are in. Yovani Gallardo must beat the Diamondbacks tomorrow in the series finale and the Brewers must bring it hard against the Reds for their four-game series this weekend.
Tuesday, July 5, 2011
Marcum's grand slam not enough in Brewer's loss
From: Monday, July 4, 2011
Diamondbacks 8, Brewers 6
W: Demel (2-2) L: Axford (2-2) SV: Hernandez (4)
Shaun Marcum's first career home run was a grand slam, one he will never forget. Unfortunately, he will have to remember it with a Brewers loss.
The Brewers had once again built an early lead just to watch it turn into an ugly loss. Milwaukee had a 6-1 lead going into the fifth, but Arizona scored in every inning to close out the game in their favor. Corey Hart led off the fourth inning with a home run and Shaun Marcum finished it with a grand slam. What could have been the Fourth of July Miracle, the day the Brewers got it going again, quickly turned into the Fourth of July Catastrophe.
Marcum gave up four earned runs, on seven hits, in six innings pitched. He had five strike outs but surrendered two home runs. It should not have mattered though because he did a lot with his bat. His grand slam should have picked up the entire team and made them realize that this was an important game to win. Not just for the sake of first place, but so Marcum could remember the day with complete fondness.
LaTroy Hawkins came in for relief of Marcum but allowed one earned run on two hits. Kameron Loe was accredited with one earned run on four hits. John Axford came in with the game tied in the ninth and had his worst performance in a long time. He gave up two earned on four hits to lose the game.
"It's a long season and we struggled early on in the year," Marcum said. "We're going through the same kind of funk right now, but good teams find a way to get out of it, and I'm pretty confident we'll be one of those teams."
I sure hope Marcum is right because if this "funk" continues, the Brewers are in a world of trouble. The St. Louis Cardinals are in first place by themselves with the Pittsburgh Pirates coming right up behind the Brewers. There is no room for error right now, even if it is only the beginning of July.
Diamondbacks 8, Brewers 6
W: Demel (2-2) L: Axford (2-2) SV: Hernandez (4)
Shaun Marcum's first career home run was a grand slam, one he will never forget. Unfortunately, he will have to remember it with a Brewers loss.
The Brewers had once again built an early lead just to watch it turn into an ugly loss. Milwaukee had a 6-1 lead going into the fifth, but Arizona scored in every inning to close out the game in their favor. Corey Hart led off the fourth inning with a home run and Shaun Marcum finished it with a grand slam. What could have been the Fourth of July Miracle, the day the Brewers got it going again, quickly turned into the Fourth of July Catastrophe.
Marcum gave up four earned runs, on seven hits, in six innings pitched. He had five strike outs but surrendered two home runs. It should not have mattered though because he did a lot with his bat. His grand slam should have picked up the entire team and made them realize that this was an important game to win. Not just for the sake of first place, but so Marcum could remember the day with complete fondness.
LaTroy Hawkins came in for relief of Marcum but allowed one earned run on two hits. Kameron Loe was accredited with one earned run on four hits. John Axford came in with the game tied in the ninth and had his worst performance in a long time. He gave up two earned on four hits to lose the game.
"It's a long season and we struggled early on in the year," Marcum said. "We're going through the same kind of funk right now, but good teams find a way to get out of it, and I'm pretty confident we'll be one of those teams."
I sure hope Marcum is right because if this "funk" continues, the Brewers are in a world of trouble. The St. Louis Cardinals are in first place by themselves with the Pittsburgh Pirates coming right up behind the Brewers. There is no room for error right now, even if it is only the beginning of July.
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.
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.
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