Game Sixty Two: Brewers 7, Mets 6

Box Score

It seems like the Brewers have had more fantastic finishes this season than the past ten combined. Tonight's game was no exception.

After Ronnie Paulino put the Mets ahead 6-2 with a 3-run homer in the top of the 8th, I turned off the game and was about to head to the gym. Then I thought to myself "If the Brewers score two runs in the 8th inning and keep the Mets of the board in the 9th, they'll only need one baserunner to bring the tying run to the plate. I'd better turn the game back on...just in case." That proved to be a wise decision.

Braun cut the lead in half with a two-run double and Fielder added a couple million to his free agent contract with a game-tying homer in the subsequent at bat. Axford retired the side on the 9th, naturally allowing the go-ahead run to reach scoring position before ending the inning.

In the bottom of the 9th it came down to Nyjer Morgan, a.k.a. "Tony Plush" with two down and Counsell on 2nd. Thinking it was actually the 8th inning, Mr Plush roped a double into left field and kept the Miller Park Magic alive.

Other thoughts:

-If this blog has taught me one thing, it's that being a sports writer is a very tough job. After Paulino's homer I had a post outlined and ready to go. A few minutes later I was back to square one. I imagine getting paid and working on a tight deadline makes crazy endings less enjoyable for sportswriters than your common fan.

-I really like listening to Brian Anderson and Bill Schroeder call games. One of the many reasons I love following baseball is because the announcers tend to be overwhelmingly positive. In tonight's game, Anderson made the following comments during the 8th inning (quotes not exact):

"The last time the Brewers allowed five runs in an inning was in Florida. A game they won in extra innings."

And after Braun hit a double cutting the lead to 6-4 "It's a brand new ballgame!"

If you want to be snarky you could say that allowing five runs in an inning is never an indicator of imminent victory. You could also say that no, it's not a new ballgame when you're still trailing by two runs. Or you could embrace the optimism and appreciate the positive things being said. Even if positive comments are a bit on the goofy side, they usually make me feel good. Allowing yourself to become annoyed by such comments is not exactly a recipe for happiness.

-The Brewers have not lost consecutive games since May 5-6. They have yet to lose consecutive game at Miller Park.