Box Score
I don't care that the Brewers are still 9.5 games up on the Cardinals, this was still a very annoying game.
The first problem was that the Brewers scored only one run. Despite the other gaffs (which I'll get to shortly), it's very difficult to win games when you only score one run. It's even worse when you turn a guy that was previously pounded for 8 earned runs at Miller Park into Bob Gibson.
The second problem was that both of the Cardinals' runs were unearned. Fielder and Hairston made back-to-back errors on painfully routine plays, and naturally both runs came around to score. Kudos to Marcum for limiting the damage.
But the final problem with in the bottom of the 9th inning. Trailing 2-1, the Brewers drew back-to-back walks to start the inning. At this point I became convinced that the Brewers were going to win. But alas, tonight was not their night. The decision to bunt in this situation is defensible, but to have Yuniesky "0 sac bunts in 2011" Betancourt try to advance the runners is not, especially when Counsell is available to pinch hit and play shortstop if necessary. Furthermore, the defensive alignment was as such that a perfect bunt was required. A perfect bunt did not occur, and Fielder was thrown out at third. Mark Kotsay then grounded into a double play to end the game, so all the blame does not belong on Yuni. But still, that's essentially where the game was lost.
Looking ahead, it's important for the Brewers to bounce back tomorrow and even up the series. With five of their next eight games against St Louis, things could get tense in Milwaukee quickly if the Crew does not take care of business. I think they will, but that does not mean I'm totally relaxed.
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
Monday, August 29, 2011
Series Recap: Brewers Sweep Cubs...Again
Prior to this season the Brewers had not swept the Cubs at Miller Park since 2005. It seems to me like they're making up for lost time.
What we saw this weekend was the Brewers imposing their will on an inferior opponent. The Brewers did not dominate any the games (in fact, they made a couple of them more interesting than they had to be), but for the most part the Brewers were in control of every game. The recipe for success was the tried and true formula of pitching, pitching, and a hitter on a hot streak, in the case Corey Hart.
While sweeping the Cubs is always fun, it's becoming more enjoyable to take down the Cardinals. The Crew can essentially clinch the division with a series win or sweep (hopefully a sweep), but it's nice to know that they would still have a commanding lead if the worst case scenario occurs (which I'd rather not even mention).
But life is good right now. Let's see if it can get even better.
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
Game One Hundred and Thirty Two: Pirates 2, Brewers 0
Box Score
With the Pirates sending marginal AAA starter to the mound I was expecting a rout. Shawn Marcum and Company did an excellent job suppressing the Pirates' bats, but the offense decided to take a day off. All things considered, the game was your classic stinker. It happens.
On the bright side, the Cardinals do not appear as if they want the season to end as quickly as possible. They were once again pounded by the Dodgers and have lost seven of their last nine. Even better, it's not like they were being victimized by world-beaters.
All things considered, the Brewers had lost one of the more forgettable games you will ever see, but at the end of they day moved closer to locking up the NL Central. I can't say I'm feeling too bad right now.
With the Pirates sending marginal AAA starter to the mound I was expecting a rout. Shawn Marcum and Company did an excellent job suppressing the Pirates' bats, but the offense decided to take a day off. All things considered, the game was your classic stinker. It happens.
On the bright side, the Cardinals do not appear as if they want the season to end as quickly as possible. They were once again pounded by the Dodgers and have lost seven of their last nine. Even better, it's not like they were being victimized by world-beaters.
All things considered, the Brewers had lost one of the more forgettable games you will ever see, but at the end of they day moved closer to locking up the NL Central. I can't say I'm feeling too bad right now.
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
Game One Hundred and Thirty One: Brewers 11, Pirates 4
Box Score
The Brew Crew train is still running ahead at full speed. They have now won 23 of 27 and saw their lead expand to 10.0 games after the Cardinals were thumped 13-2 at the hands of St. Louis. They have the largest lead in the majors by 3.5 games, a number that is commanding enough by itself.
The flip side to the Brewers surge is the sluggish play of the Cardinals. After losing 2 of 3 to both the Pirates and the Cubs, the Cards have dropped the first two against the Dodgers. I'm not sure how a team with Pujols, Berkman, Molina, Holliday, and Carpenter can look so feeble. While I'm not complaining, I also know that they're more than capable of tearing off 9 of 10 at any time...though that is looking progressively less likely.
One last point, this is not the first time the Brewers have gotten hotter than anybody in baseball. They had a 25-10 stretch from May 5th to June 12th, followed by a period where they feel back to Earth courtesy the Red Sox, Rays, and Yankees. To put it another way, with the AL East out of the way I'm struggling to see a reason the Brewers would falter down the stretch in horrific fashion.
The Brew Crew train is still running ahead at full speed. They have now won 23 of 27 and saw their lead expand to 10.0 games after the Cardinals were thumped 13-2 at the hands of St. Louis. They have the largest lead in the majors by 3.5 games, a number that is commanding enough by itself.
The flip side to the Brewers surge is the sluggish play of the Cardinals. After losing 2 of 3 to both the Pirates and the Cubs, the Cards have dropped the first two against the Dodgers. I'm not sure how a team with Pujols, Berkman, Molina, Holliday, and Carpenter can look so feeble. While I'm not complaining, I also know that they're more than capable of tearing off 9 of 10 at any time...though that is looking progressively less likely.
One last point, this is not the first time the Brewers have gotten hotter than anybody in baseball. They had a 25-10 stretch from May 5th to June 12th, followed by a period where they feel back to Earth courtesy the Red Sox, Rays, and Yankees. To put it another way, with the AL East out of the way I'm struggling to see a reason the Brewers would falter down the stretch in horrific fashion.
Monday, August 22, 2011
Double Header Edition!
After the Brewers cruised to an 8-1 victory in the opener I was feeling pretty good about the nightcap. I was feeling even better after the Crew put up two early runs on the Bucs, but at the end of the 7th inning the inescapable truth that the starting pitching is not invincible and the Pirates would eventually beat the Brewers came to fruition.
I was feeling a twinge bummed after the Pirates scored seven runs in the seventh inning, but I quickly perked up after the Dodgers rallied late for a 2-1 win against the Cardinals. Thus, even on a day when the Brewers lost a game they still gained ground in the division.
I was feeling a twinge bummed after the Pirates scored seven runs in the seventh inning, but I quickly perked up after the Dodgers rallied late for a 2-1 win against the Cardinals. Thus, even on a day when the Brewers lost a game they still gained ground in the division.
Sunday, August 21, 2011
Game One Hundred and Twenty Eight: Brewers 6, Mets 2
Box Score
The Brewers are so hot right now that not even the big bad road can stop them.
Gallardo was mostly brilliant today with the only runs being surrendered on a 2-run homer in the 7th. Unfortunately for the Brewers, the home run tied the game. Unfortunately for the Mets, the game soon turned into a battle of the bullpens.
From the eighth inning on the Brewers had little trouble tacking on runs while the Mets failed to get a baserunner during the final two frames. This right here is why I am feeling especially confident about the likelihood of the Brewers maintaining their 8.5 game lead.
As I mentioned yesterday, the Brewers suffered a collapse during the 2007. The primary culprit of this was pitching. The starters did not work deep into games, putting more strain on a bullpen that was marginal to begin with. As a result the team blew leads like there was no tomorrow. Meanwhile the 2011 Brewers have a collection of starters that routinely pitch more than six innings and a closer that has only blown two saves. In other words, a key component for collapse is missing from the 2011.
One last note: The Brewers scored 23 runs in three games against the Mets after scoring only 19 runs over a 7-game homestand. God save the rest of the NL if the offensive output against the Mets is a merely a sign of things to come.
The Brewers are so hot right now that not even the big bad road can stop them.
Gallardo was mostly brilliant today with the only runs being surrendered on a 2-run homer in the 7th. Unfortunately for the Brewers, the home run tied the game. Unfortunately for the Mets, the game soon turned into a battle of the bullpens.
From the eighth inning on the Brewers had little trouble tacking on runs while the Mets failed to get a baserunner during the final two frames. This right here is why I am feeling especially confident about the likelihood of the Brewers maintaining their 8.5 game lead.
As I mentioned yesterday, the Brewers suffered a collapse during the 2007. The primary culprit of this was pitching. The starters did not work deep into games, putting more strain on a bullpen that was marginal to begin with. As a result the team blew leads like there was no tomorrow. Meanwhile the 2011 Brewers have a collection of starters that routinely pitch more than six innings and a closer that has only blown two saves. In other words, a key component for collapse is missing from the 2011.
One last note: The Brewers scored 23 runs in three games against the Mets after scoring only 19 runs over a 7-game homestand. God save the rest of the NL if the offensive output against the Mets is a merely a sign of things to come.
Saturday, August 20, 2011
Games 126 & 127
On Friday night the Brewers cruised to a run-of-the-mill 6-1 domination of the Mets. Marcum cruised through the Mets' lineup and the Brewers' imminent victory was never really in doubt after they went ahead 4-0 in the 5th. Despite the ease of the victory, I was never full relaxed. In fact, I never relax during games because I know the outcome is never certain until the final out is recorded. Today's game validated this fact.
Today's game looked like it was going to be an easy victory. The Brewers rode homers from Braun, Fielder, and Betancourt to a 7-1 lead. Randy Wolf was carving up the Mets' hitters and a victory looked like a forgone conclusion. But then the 7th inning happened.
The Mets finally got to Wolf and scored three more off Saito to cut the lead to 7-6. At this point I had a feeling that has been rare this season: the realization that the Brewers were going to blow the lead. This feeling proved to be more prophecy than paranoia in the 8th when K-Rod allowed the three runs to score with two outs. (In defense of Rodriguez, no runs would have scored had Jerry Hairston not grossly misplayed what should have been an inning-ending a line drive to center.) By the end of the 8th inning the collapse was complete. Unfortunately for the Mets, the game was not over.
Jason Isringhausen came in to close the game and promptly poured an industrial sized can of gas on the fire. He was relieved after loading the bases, recording no outs, and walking Kotsay to bring in a run. Manny Acosta was summoned and for a moment it looked like he was going to pull a Houdini. He coaxed a short fly from Braun and had Fielder in an 0-2. But that was as close as he got to securing the save. Fielder nudged a game tying single to right, and McGehee subsequently plated two runs to give the Brewers an 11-9 lead. Axford worked a clean 9th and the Brewers left Citi Field with what during most seasons would have been an unlikely victory. Of course, by now this type of victory is commonplace for the Brew Crew.
To make things sweeter, the Cardinals lost to the Cubs, meaning the Brewers have the largest divisional lead of any team in the majors at 8.5 games. Think about that one for a second.
By now it's looking very likely that the Brewers will make the playoffs. Granted, I cannot stress enough that it's not over until it's over. That said, I would like to take a page from the Brewers' long history of futility to demonstrate how good things are looking right now.
On June 22, 2007 the Brewers had an 8.5 game lead in the NL Central. Thirty five games later the Brewers were tied with the Cubs for first place. It was an impressive collapse by the Brewers coupled by the Cubs getting hot at the right time. There are thirty five games left in the 2011 season. I will allow you to draw your own conclusions.
Today's game looked like it was going to be an easy victory. The Brewers rode homers from Braun, Fielder, and Betancourt to a 7-1 lead. Randy Wolf was carving up the Mets' hitters and a victory looked like a forgone conclusion. But then the 7th inning happened.
The Mets finally got to Wolf and scored three more off Saito to cut the lead to 7-6. At this point I had a feeling that has been rare this season: the realization that the Brewers were going to blow the lead. This feeling proved to be more prophecy than paranoia in the 8th when K-Rod allowed the three runs to score with two outs. (In defense of Rodriguez, no runs would have scored had Jerry Hairston not grossly misplayed what should have been an inning-ending a line drive to center.) By the end of the 8th inning the collapse was complete. Unfortunately for the Mets, the game was not over.
Jason Isringhausen came in to close the game and promptly poured an industrial sized can of gas on the fire. He was relieved after loading the bases, recording no outs, and walking Kotsay to bring in a run. Manny Acosta was summoned and for a moment it looked like he was going to pull a Houdini. He coaxed a short fly from Braun and had Fielder in an 0-2. But that was as close as he got to securing the save. Fielder nudged a game tying single to right, and McGehee subsequently plated two runs to give the Brewers an 11-9 lead. Axford worked a clean 9th and the Brewers left Citi Field with what during most seasons would have been an unlikely victory. Of course, by now this type of victory is commonplace for the Brew Crew.
To make things sweeter, the Cardinals lost to the Cubs, meaning the Brewers have the largest divisional lead of any team in the majors at 8.5 games. Think about that one for a second.
By now it's looking very likely that the Brewers will make the playoffs. Granted, I cannot stress enough that it's not over until it's over. That said, I would like to take a page from the Brewers' long history of futility to demonstrate how good things are looking right now.
On June 22, 2007 the Brewers had an 8.5 game lead in the NL Central. Thirty five games later the Brewers were tied with the Cubs for first place. It was an impressive collapse by the Brewers coupled by the Cubs getting hot at the right time. There are thirty five games left in the 2011 season. I will allow you to draw your own conclusions.
Thursday, August 18, 2011
Game One Hundred and Twenty Five: Dodgers 5, Brewers 1
Box Score
Today's game can be filed under "You can't win 'em all." Clayton Kershaw shut down the Brewers and the Dodgers scored more than two runs, which was all they needed to avoid the sweep.
Today was something of a gravy day, so it's hard to get upset about the outcome. However, the recent ineptitude of the offense is concerning. I agree with Greinke that the division is the Brewers' to lose, but I also know that one of the ways the division will be lost is if the Brewers consistently fail to score more than three runs. That said, I'm not terrible concerned about the offense being this bad much longer.
Looking ahead to the rest of the season, if the Brewers finish the season 19-18 then the Cardinals will have to go 26-12 to take the division. Another scenario, if the Cardinals finish the season 19-19 they will take the division if the Brewers finish 12-25. To put it another way, things are looking very good for the Brewers right now. Even so, it is always too early to celebrate. The Brewers still need to take care of business on the road.
Their next seven games include three at New York and four at Pittsburgh, including a double header. Considering their lead the Brewers can get away with a 3-4 trip, but I would feel a lot better about 4-3. They can accomplish this feat by scoring more runs than the Mets and Pirates on four of seven occasions.
Today's game can be filed under "You can't win 'em all." Clayton Kershaw shut down the Brewers and the Dodgers scored more than two runs, which was all they needed to avoid the sweep.
Today was something of a gravy day, so it's hard to get upset about the outcome. However, the recent ineptitude of the offense is concerning. I agree with Greinke that the division is the Brewers' to lose, but I also know that one of the ways the division will be lost is if the Brewers consistently fail to score more than three runs. That said, I'm not terrible concerned about the offense being this bad much longer.
Looking ahead to the rest of the season, if the Brewers finish the season 19-18 then the Cardinals will have to go 26-12 to take the division. Another scenario, if the Cardinals finish the season 19-19 they will take the division if the Brewers finish 12-25. To put it another way, things are looking very good for the Brewers right now. Even so, it is always too early to celebrate. The Brewers still need to take care of business on the road.
Their next seven games include three at New York and four at Pittsburgh, including a double header. Considering their lead the Brewers can get away with a 3-4 trip, but I would feel a lot better about 4-3. They can accomplish this feat by scoring more runs than the Mets and Pirates on four of seven occasions.
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
Game One Hundred and Twenty Four: Brewers 3, Dodgers 1
Box Score
What's happening right now with the Brewers is simply magical. This stretch of winning will be remembered like the 13-0 start in 1987, regardless of what happens the rest of the season. It would be nice to be able to teleport myself to Miller Park for every game, provided a housefly does not make the journey with me. I don't want to become Brundlefly.
In tonight's game it was Zack Grienke being almost brilliant in holding the Dodgers to one run over seven innings. I say "almost" because no start that includes a home run allowed to Tony Gwynn Jr can be considered a success.*
*Speaking of Tony Gwynn Jr, you are missing out if you do not read this article.
Meanwhile the offense did just enough to win the game. The Crew scored three runs or less for the 5th consecutive game. That we're celebrating a 6-0 homestand and not a 2-4 disaster is a testament to the awesomeness of the pitching staff. While I'm confident the solid pitching will continue, the offense is going to have to start scoring some more runs. If nothing else, it makes the games more fun to watch.
Looking ahead, tomorrow the Brewers will try to finish the sweep against the dominant Clayton Kershaw. Opposing him will be Marco Estrada, so advantage: Dodgers. Tomorrow would be a good time for the Brewers' bats to wake up.
What's happening right now with the Brewers is simply magical. This stretch of winning will be remembered like the 13-0 start in 1987, regardless of what happens the rest of the season. It would be nice to be able to teleport myself to Miller Park for every game, provided a housefly does not make the journey with me. I don't want to become Brundlefly.
In tonight's game it was Zack Grienke being almost brilliant in holding the Dodgers to one run over seven innings. I say "almost" because no start that includes a home run allowed to Tony Gwynn Jr can be considered a success.*
*Speaking of Tony Gwynn Jr, you are missing out if you do not read this article.
Meanwhile the offense did just enough to win the game. The Crew scored three runs or less for the 5th consecutive game. That we're celebrating a 6-0 homestand and not a 2-4 disaster is a testament to the awesomeness of the pitching staff. While I'm confident the solid pitching will continue, the offense is going to have to start scoring some more runs. If nothing else, it makes the games more fun to watch.
Looking ahead, tomorrow the Brewers will try to finish the sweep against the dominant Clayton Kershaw. Opposing him will be Marco Estrada, so advantage: Dodgers. Tomorrow would be a good time for the Brewers' bats to wake up.
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
Game One Hundred and Twenty Three: Brewers 2, Dodgers 1
Box Score
The Miller Park Magic Carpet Ride is still fully operational.
The Brewers have won their past four games despite scoring only seven earned runs. They had a similar stretch of futility back in May during what Tom Haudricourt called "The Great Offensive Drought of 2011." It's amazing what good pitching can do.
The Brewers were able to squeeze out a victory tonight because Yovani Gallardo was in top form. Oustiide of a dicey 2nd inning he completely shut down the Dodgers. On the flip side, Chad Billingsley kept the Brewers off balance and for a while it looked like the Crew's offensive woes were finally going to catch up to them. Sooner or later that will happen, but not tonight.
The Brewers were able to rally in the bottom of the 9th, in part thanks to an extremely rare four-pitch walk to Yuniesky Betancourt, and Mark Kotsay ended the game with a single one the first pitch he saw. The victory was made sweeter thanks to the Pirate topping the Cardinals in 11.
The Brewers are 21 game over .500 and have a 7.0 game lead in the division. If I were a Cardinals fan I would be looking forward to the Rams season opener. But I am not a Rams fan and I know that no lead is safe until the division is clinched. Despite their recent rampage, the Brewers really need Rickie Weeks back in the lineup. Felipe Lopez and Jerry Hairston are capable backups, but they are nowhere near the .272/.346/.478/19 HR player Weeks is. By the way, the Brewers are 16-2 without Weeks in the lineup. Think about that for a second.
Before this home stand started I wrote that 5-2 would be a success. That is a fact and I stand by what I wrote. However, at this point in the season you need every win you can get. I'll be happy with the home stand regardless of what happens the next two games, but, you know, I'd rather the Brewers win the next two games.
The Miller Park Magic Carpet Ride is still fully operational.
The Brewers have won their past four games despite scoring only seven earned runs. They had a similar stretch of futility back in May during what Tom Haudricourt called "The Great Offensive Drought of 2011." It's amazing what good pitching can do.
The Brewers were able to squeeze out a victory tonight because Yovani Gallardo was in top form. Oustiide of a dicey 2nd inning he completely shut down the Dodgers. On the flip side, Chad Billingsley kept the Brewers off balance and for a while it looked like the Crew's offensive woes were finally going to catch up to them. Sooner or later that will happen, but not tonight.
The Brewers were able to rally in the bottom of the 9th, in part thanks to an extremely rare four-pitch walk to Yuniesky Betancourt, and Mark Kotsay ended the game with a single one the first pitch he saw. The victory was made sweeter thanks to the Pirate topping the Cardinals in 11.
The Brewers are 21 game over .500 and have a 7.0 game lead in the division. If I were a Cardinals fan I would be looking forward to the Rams season opener. But I am not a Rams fan and I know that no lead is safe until the division is clinched. Despite their recent rampage, the Brewers really need Rickie Weeks back in the lineup. Felipe Lopez and Jerry Hairston are capable backups, but they are nowhere near the .272/.346/.478/19 HR player Weeks is. By the way, the Brewers are 16-2 without Weeks in the lineup. Think about that for a second.
Before this home stand started I wrote that 5-2 would be a success. That is a fact and I stand by what I wrote. However, at this point in the season you need every win you can get. I'll be happy with the home stand regardless of what happens the next two games, but, you know, I'd rather the Brewers win the next two games.
Monday, August 15, 2011
Game One Hundred and Twenty Two: Brewers 3, Dodgers 0
Box Score
I am at a loss as to how to blog about this game. At the risk of using hyperbole, what happened to night was magic. To use another movie reference, it was like watching 'Angels in the Outfield.' You had the feeling that a higher power had a vested interest in seeing the Brewers to win tonight. There was a diving catch that lead to a double play, a play at the plate, a "look what I found" line-out double play to end the game, and, oh yeah, there was an elusive 5-6-3-2 triple play. There were enough defensive highlights to last a season crammed into nine innings of baseball.
Offensively the Brewers were mostly handcuffed by Ted Lilly. The managed only two hits through seven innings and six overall. That is usually a sign of a shut out, but tonight half of the hits went for home runs and considering the voodoo spell the Dodgers were under, turned out to be more than enough for a Brewers win.
So to recap, the Brewers turned four double plays, one triple play, hit three solo home runs, and won the game. Just another day at the office, right? What happened tonight is at the heart of why people watch sports. On any given night you could see something/a combination of things that you may never see again. Not only was tonight's game exemplify this, but the whole season has been filled with incredible moments. There is something special going on with the Brewers. Let's hope they keep the good times rollin'.
I am at a loss as to how to blog about this game. At the risk of using hyperbole, what happened to night was magic. To use another movie reference, it was like watching 'Angels in the Outfield.' You had the feeling that a higher power had a vested interest in seeing the Brewers to win tonight. There was a diving catch that lead to a double play, a play at the plate, a "look what I found" line-out double play to end the game, and, oh yeah, there was an elusive 5-6-3-2 triple play. There were enough defensive highlights to last a season crammed into nine innings of baseball.
Offensively the Brewers were mostly handcuffed by Ted Lilly. The managed only two hits through seven innings and six overall. That is usually a sign of a shut out, but tonight half of the hits went for home runs and considering the voodoo spell the Dodgers were under, turned out to be more than enough for a Brewers win.
So to recap, the Brewers turned four double plays, one triple play, hit three solo home runs, and won the game. Just another day at the office, right? What happened tonight is at the heart of why people watch sports. On any given night you could see something/a combination of things that you may never see again. Not only was tonight's game exemplify this, but the whole season has been filled with incredible moments. There is something special going on with the Brewers. Let's hope they keep the good times rollin'.
Game One Hundred and Twenty One: Brewers 2, Pirates 1
Box Score
There is a scene in the movie 'Pleasantville' where the male lead (Tobey MaGuire) is at basketball practice. As he starts shooting baskets and to his surprise he makes everything. He then starts taking progressively more absurd shots, all of which go in. That scene reminds me of games between the Pirates and Brewers at Miller Park.
After pulling a Houdini on Saturday the Brewers actually did one better on Sunday. The Brewers were dead to rights in the bottom of the 8th inning. They were down 1-0 and facing Joel "1.03 ERA" Hanrahan. With two outs he got Nyjer Morgan to strike out swinging. What usually ends an inning started a rally for the Brewers, and the game was tied when Ryan Braun promptly ripped a single to center.
Not to be outdone by one escape act, the Fielder and McGehee committed errors to allow the lead runner to reach in the top of the 9th and 10th. The Bucs even managed to load the bases in the 10, but when playing at Miller Park the Pirates could have six men on base and it wouldn't matter. The Brewers went on to win the game courtesy of a sac fly from Tony Plush.
Other thoughts on the game:
-Craig Counsell received a standing ovation when he came to the plate in the 2nd inning. This, despite batting .151 and going on an 0-45 slump. I hope the Crew makes a run in the playoffs so the rest of the baseball world can see how absurdly supportive Brewers fans are. Speaking of that...
-Over 45,000 people paid to see the Brewers play the Pirates in the middle of August. That's both incredible and proof that Milwaukee is one of the best baseball town's in the country. I expect the interest in the Crew to continue even after football season starts.
There is a scene in the movie 'Pleasantville' where the male lead (Tobey MaGuire) is at basketball practice. As he starts shooting baskets and to his surprise he makes everything. He then starts taking progressively more absurd shots, all of which go in. That scene reminds me of games between the Pirates and Brewers at Miller Park.
After pulling a Houdini on Saturday the Brewers actually did one better on Sunday. The Brewers were dead to rights in the bottom of the 8th inning. They were down 1-0 and facing Joel "1.03 ERA" Hanrahan. With two outs he got Nyjer Morgan to strike out swinging. What usually ends an inning started a rally for the Brewers, and the game was tied when Ryan Braun promptly ripped a single to center.
Not to be outdone by one escape act, the Fielder and McGehee committed errors to allow the lead runner to reach in the top of the 9th and 10th. The Bucs even managed to load the bases in the 10, but when playing at Miller Park the Pirates could have six men on base and it wouldn't matter. The Brewers went on to win the game courtesy of a sac fly from Tony Plush.
Other thoughts on the game:
-Craig Counsell received a standing ovation when he came to the plate in the 2nd inning. This, despite batting .151 and going on an 0-45 slump. I hope the Crew makes a run in the playoffs so the rest of the baseball world can see how absurdly supportive Brewers fans are. Speaking of that...
-Over 45,000 people paid to see the Brewers play the Pirates in the middle of August. That's both incredible and proof that Milwaukee is one of the best baseball town's in the country. I expect the interest in the Crew to continue even after football season starts.
Saturday, August 13, 2011
Game One Hundred and Twenty: Brewers 1, Pirates 0
Box Score
I was not expecting a 1-0 game. With Marco Estrada starting I though the Brewers were going to have to put up at least five runs to secure a victory. But all they needed was a solo home run form Yuni Betancourt.
The real story of the game was the top of the 9th. The inning got off to a rough start when Nyjer Morgan took a horrible route to Xavier Paul's eventual triple. In a perfect world Carlos Gomez would have been in center field and it would have been nothing more than a long, loud out. In reality the Pirates had a runner on third an nobody out. But Axford being Axford and the Pirates being the Pirates, Xavier Paul stayed at first base after a pair of ground-outs and a strikeout/2-3 putout to end the game. If nothing else this game demonstrated how sometimes the most tense, action packed baseball games end with a score of 1-0.
I was not expecting a 1-0 game. With Marco Estrada starting I though the Brewers were going to have to put up at least five runs to secure a victory. But all they needed was a solo home run form Yuni Betancourt.
The real story of the game was the top of the 9th. The inning got off to a rough start when Nyjer Morgan took a horrible route to Xavier Paul's eventual triple. In a perfect world Carlos Gomez would have been in center field and it would have been nothing more than a long, loud out. In reality the Pirates had a runner on third an nobody out. But Axford being Axford and the Pirates being the Pirates, Xavier Paul stayed at first base after a pair of ground-outs and a strikeout/2-3 putout to end the game. If nothing else this game demonstrated how sometimes the most tense, action packed baseball games end with a score of 1-0.
Friday, August 12, 2011
Game One Hundred and Nineteen: Brewers 7, Pirates 2
Box Score
For a good portion of the season the performance of Zack Greinke did not make any sense. He was striking out a lot of batters, walking very few batters, and giving up a lot of runs. Since the All-Star break, the results of Greinke's starts have matched his true performance.
Tonight Greinke looked every bit like the Cy Young winner the Brewers traded for and the offense steadily scored runs en route to another victory over the Pirates at Miller Park. The Crew's dominance over Pittsburgh at Miller Park will be put to the test tomorrow when Marco Estrada takes the mound in place of Chris Narveson, but for the time being it's best to enjoy the win.
Also of note: Governor Scott Walker visited the booth tonight in the early innings of the game. I did not catch the interview and I do not have any interest in talking politics on this blog. However, I do believe that the Brewers' strong performance thus far this season is important for Wisconsin. Whether you're Democrat, Republican, Green Party, Tea Party, Union, or Anti-Union, the Brewers have provided a common ground for everyone in Wisconsin to agree on. Even though the Brewers are just a baseball team, they also give people a reason to set aside their differences and root for the same thing. Hopefully the Brewers will win the division and make a run at the pennant, because the longer they provide a common ground, the better.
For a good portion of the season the performance of Zack Greinke did not make any sense. He was striking out a lot of batters, walking very few batters, and giving up a lot of runs. Since the All-Star break, the results of Greinke's starts have matched his true performance.
Tonight Greinke looked every bit like the Cy Young winner the Brewers traded for and the offense steadily scored runs en route to another victory over the Pirates at Miller Park. The Crew's dominance over Pittsburgh at Miller Park will be put to the test tomorrow when Marco Estrada takes the mound in place of Chris Narveson, but for the time being it's best to enjoy the win.
Also of note: Governor Scott Walker visited the booth tonight in the early innings of the game. I did not catch the interview and I do not have any interest in talking politics on this blog. However, I do believe that the Brewers' strong performance thus far this season is important for Wisconsin. Whether you're Democrat, Republican, Green Party, Tea Party, Union, or Anti-Union, the Brewers have provided a common ground for everyone in Wisconsin to agree on. Even though the Brewers are just a baseball team, they also give people a reason to set aside their differences and root for the same thing. Hopefully the Brewers will win the division and make a run at the pennant, because the longer they provide a common ground, the better.
Thursday, August 11, 2011
Game One Hundred and Eighteen: Cardinals 5, Brewers 2
Box Score
Tonight's game was what I like to call a "gravy game." After clinching the series win over the Cardinals and winning 13 of 14, I was unable to conjure any feelings of anxiety during tonight's game. Yes, it would have been nice to drive a dagger through the heart of the Cardinals. Yes, having six game lead is better than having a four game lead. But all things considered, the Brewers left St. Louis with a larger lead than when they entered. The series was a resounding success, and the only drawback is that there was not a cherry on top of the sundae.
As for the game itself, Gallardo was not sharp, the defense was poor (Felipe Lopez, I'm looking at you), and the offense hit into four double plays. Even worse, the Brewers looked like they were going to cruise to an easy victory after scoring two quick runs in the first, but unfortunately this just wasn't their night. Oh well, it happens. Despite the loss, the Brewers are still 21-10 in St. Louis since the beginning of the 2008 season. How cool is that?
Looking ahead, the Brewers return home to play three games against the free-falling Pirates (3-33 at Miller Park since 2008) and the generally crappy Los Angeles Dodgers. While the Brewers cannot stay this hot forever, anything less than a 4-3 home-stand would be tremendously disappointing. I'm expecting 5-2, but that may change if another pitcher gets hurt trying to repair their glove with a scissors.
Tonight's game was what I like to call a "gravy game." After clinching the series win over the Cardinals and winning 13 of 14, I was unable to conjure any feelings of anxiety during tonight's game. Yes, it would have been nice to drive a dagger through the heart of the Cardinals. Yes, having six game lead is better than having a four game lead. But all things considered, the Brewers left St. Louis with a larger lead than when they entered. The series was a resounding success, and the only drawback is that there was not a cherry on top of the sundae.
As for the game itself, Gallardo was not sharp, the defense was poor (Felipe Lopez, I'm looking at you), and the offense hit into four double plays. Even worse, the Brewers looked like they were going to cruise to an easy victory after scoring two quick runs in the first, but unfortunately this just wasn't their night. Oh well, it happens. Despite the loss, the Brewers are still 21-10 in St. Louis since the beginning of the 2008 season. How cool is that?
Looking ahead, the Brewers return home to play three games against the free-falling Pirates (3-33 at Miller Park since 2008) and the generally crappy Los Angeles Dodgers. While the Brewers cannot stay this hot forever, anything less than a 4-3 home-stand would be tremendously disappointing. I'm expecting 5-2, but that may change if another pitcher gets hurt trying to repair their glove with a scissors.
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
Update time!
Perhaps I should update this blog with less frequency. It seems like the less I post, the more they win. Right now the Brewers are on quite the tear.
The Crew has won 13 of 14 and currently hold a 5.0 game lead in the division. Yes, there is a lot of baseball left to be played, but that is not stopping me from having a pleasure overload. The starting rotation is on a roll, their bullpen is a effective as any in franchise history, and even Yuniesky Betancourt is contributing on offense. Things are looking very, very good. What will be of interest to me is how they handle success.
The Brewers held a 5.5 game lead on the wild card spot going into September of 2008. The Brewers collapsed to the point that Ned Yost was fired with twelve games left in the season. While baseball is a game of ups and downs, hot streaks and cold streaks, this and that, I think it's pretty clear that Ned Yost was the source of the collapse.
Ned Yost, while great at building a winning team, came across as a ball of stress. This was apparent during post-game press conferences and by simply looking at him in the dugout during close games in September. Based on what I've seen this season, Ron Roenicke is the ying to Ned Yost's yang. Roenicke never seems to let the pressure of managing an MLB team show, and considering that he was with the Angels from 2000-2010 (including their 2002 Championship season), I'm inclined to believe that he knows how to handle a pennant race.
There have been moments this season when Roenicke has made some questionable tactical decisions, and for the sake of argument I'll assume that he is the worst tactician in the majors. Even so, you'll win a lot of games as a manager if you keep your players relaxed and motivated. Yost was good with the latter but horrible with the former. Roenicke is good with both (though I reserve the right to change my opinion at a later date) and considering this is a season where the Brewers are all-in, I have to commend Doug Melvin and Mark Attinasio for hiring him.
The Crew has won 13 of 14 and currently hold a 5.0 game lead in the division. Yes, there is a lot of baseball left to be played, but that is not stopping me from having a pleasure overload. The starting rotation is on a roll, their bullpen is a effective as any in franchise history, and even Yuniesky Betancourt is contributing on offense. Things are looking very, very good. What will be of interest to me is how they handle success.
The Brewers held a 5.5 game lead on the wild card spot going into September of 2008. The Brewers collapsed to the point that Ned Yost was fired with twelve games left in the season. While baseball is a game of ups and downs, hot streaks and cold streaks, this and that, I think it's pretty clear that Ned Yost was the source of the collapse.
Ned Yost, while great at building a winning team, came across as a ball of stress. This was apparent during post-game press conferences and by simply looking at him in the dugout during close games in September. Based on what I've seen this season, Ron Roenicke is the ying to Ned Yost's yang. Roenicke never seems to let the pressure of managing an MLB team show, and considering that he was with the Angels from 2000-2010 (including their 2002 Championship season), I'm inclined to believe that he knows how to handle a pennant race.
There have been moments this season when Roenicke has made some questionable tactical decisions, and for the sake of argument I'll assume that he is the worst tactician in the majors. Even so, you'll win a lot of games as a manager if you keep your players relaxed and motivated. Yost was good with the latter but horrible with the former. Roenicke is good with both (though I reserve the right to change my opinion at a later date) and considering this is a season where the Brewers are all-in, I have to commend Doug Melvin and Mark Attinasio for hiring him.
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
Game One Hundred and Eleven: Cardinals 8, Brewers 7
Box Score
Under most circumstances I would file this game under "you can't win 'em all," however, the Cardinals are a bunch of assholes so I will not be doing that. A victory tonight would have been as sweet as can be, but instead we have been given a bitter pill to swallow.
The Brewers had plenty of chances to win this game, including the bottom of the 7th when the bases were loaded with nobody out and no runs scored, but they were unable to capitalize. Their best chance to win (on a flare in the bottom of the 9th) was foiled when Rafael Furcal made a game-saving catch to end the inning. The Brewers are still in good shape, this loss was only 1 of 162, and they can still win the series tomorrow. But my, oh my was this a frustrating loss to take.
The Cardinals, as I mentioned earlier, are a bunch of assholes. For example, when Pujols was hit by Saito in the top of the 7th to load the bases with nobody out, Tony LaRussa decided that retaliation was in order. Braun was hit to lead off the bottom of the frame as payback. I would like to hear an argument as to why Saito would hit Pujols in that situation and why retaliation was necessary.
For exhibit B, Marco Estrada struck out Yadier Molina looking to lead off the top of the 10th. Molina responded by bumping the umpire and spitting in his face. It was a shameful display that warrants a nice, long suspension.
Despite all this the Brewers were unable to levy justice on the Cardinals and lost the game in 11 innings. Let's hope it's served on them tomorrow.
Under most circumstances I would file this game under "you can't win 'em all," however, the Cardinals are a bunch of assholes so I will not be doing that. A victory tonight would have been as sweet as can be, but instead we have been given a bitter pill to swallow.
The Brewers had plenty of chances to win this game, including the bottom of the 7th when the bases were loaded with nobody out and no runs scored, but they were unable to capitalize. Their best chance to win (on a flare in the bottom of the 9th) was foiled when Rafael Furcal made a game-saving catch to end the inning. The Brewers are still in good shape, this loss was only 1 of 162, and they can still win the series tomorrow. But my, oh my was this a frustrating loss to take.
The Cardinals, as I mentioned earlier, are a bunch of assholes. For example, when Pujols was hit by Saito in the top of the 7th to load the bases with nobody out, Tony LaRussa decided that retaliation was in order. Braun was hit to lead off the bottom of the frame as payback. I would like to hear an argument as to why Saito would hit Pujols in that situation and why retaliation was necessary.
For exhibit B, Marco Estrada struck out Yadier Molina looking to lead off the top of the 10th. Molina responded by bumping the umpire and spitting in his face. It was a shameful display that warrants a nice, long suspension.
Despite all this the Brewers were unable to levy justice on the Cardinals and lost the game in 11 innings. Let's hope it's served on them tomorrow.
Monday, August 1, 2011
Game One Hundred and Ten: Brewers 6, Cardinals 2
Box Score
For the longest time it seemed like every break went against Zack Greinke. That did not happen tonight.
The Cardinals had the bases loaded with one out in the top of the 6th, but the Brewers were able to escape when Skip Schumaker grounded into a double play. The first base umpire deserves an assist for the DP because replays showed that Schumaker was clearly safe. While I prefer the Brewers to win with as few breaks as possible, I also know that the Brewers will be victimized by a bad call before the season ends. Furthermore, the Cardinals would have still been down two if Schumaker was called safe.
Bad call aside, the game was won when the Brewers broke through for five runs in the bottom of the 5th. The rally consisted primarily of well-placed hits and bad defense, and quite frankly it looked like the Brewers defense was in the field for that inning. Not that I'm complaining.
With a win tonight the Brewers are in prime position to start separating themselves from the rest of the division. No matter what happens the Crew will lead the division at the end of the series, but I'm out for blood. With a sweep the Brewers would open up a 5.5 game lead and be in position to run away with the division. Before I get too far ahead of myself I am going to sit back and enjoy the win streak.
For the longest time it seemed like every break went against Zack Greinke. That did not happen tonight.
The Cardinals had the bases loaded with one out in the top of the 6th, but the Brewers were able to escape when Skip Schumaker grounded into a double play. The first base umpire deserves an assist for the DP because replays showed that Schumaker was clearly safe. While I prefer the Brewers to win with as few breaks as possible, I also know that the Brewers will be victimized by a bad call before the season ends. Furthermore, the Cardinals would have still been down two if Schumaker was called safe.
Bad call aside, the game was won when the Brewers broke through for five runs in the bottom of the 5th. The rally consisted primarily of well-placed hits and bad defense, and quite frankly it looked like the Brewers defense was in the field for that inning. Not that I'm complaining.
With a win tonight the Brewers are in prime position to start separating themselves from the rest of the division. No matter what happens the Crew will lead the division at the end of the series, but I'm out for blood. With a sweep the Brewers would open up a 5.5 game lead and be in position to run away with the division. Before I get too far ahead of myself I am going to sit back and enjoy the win streak.
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