Game Nineteen: Brewers 6, Padres 3

Box Score

I worked late this evening and thus missed most of the game. I returned just in time to see Tom Gorzelanny strike out Yonder Alonso on three pitches after Gallardo walked the bases loaded with two outs. I may have not have watched most of the game, but that did not stop me from generating a few thoughts on the Brewers' 9th consecutive win.

1) Yovani Gallardo is turning the corner...sort of

Sometimes it's hard to tell if a pitcher is gritty or if it's just really, really hard to hit a baseball. Gallardo allowed 13 base runners in 6.2 innings, but prevented the Padres from getting the big hit and limited them to three runs. In this case it was probably a mix of making timely pitches, the tremendous difficulty of the sport, and the Padres being a bad baseball team. Regardless, it was Yo's second consecutive quality start and it helped the Crew win yet another baseball match.

2) Score early, not often

Of the 52 runs the Brewers have scored over their steak, 33 (63.4%) have come in the first three innings. This trend includes outbursts against Barry Zito, Matt Cain, and most recently, Clayton Richard. A lot of games will seemingly hinge on an early opportunity to deliver a knockout blow and recently the Brewers have been doing just that. And yes, this is the extent of insight I have about this trend.

Axford Watch

Another game, another scoreless outing for the Ax Man. Tonight he was aided by a gem of a defensive play from Jean Segura and his curveball showing up to play. Axford ended the 8th by abusing Nick Hundley on three pitches, using only his bender. The first two were are as sharp of breaking pitches as you'll ever see and the last pitch was perfectly placed 59 feet away from the rubber. The clean inning lowered his ERA to single digits for the first time since Opening Day

Looking ahead...

What's cooler than winning nine consecutive games? Winning ten consecutive games. Marco Estrada (4-2, 4.50) will attempt to keep the streak alive while Edinson Volquez (0-3, 8.84) will do all in his power to stop him. Unless Pre-All Star Break 2008 Volquez shows up, I like the Brewers' chances.

Go Crew.