Game 1: 3/31/11 -- [0-0] MIL - Phillips (0-0, 0.00) @ [0-0] CIN - Hammel (0-0, 0.00)
Opening day in Cincinnati brought new hope for the home town Brewers. With a revamped offense and unsettled pitching situation, Milwaukee traveled to the Queen City to take on the Reds. General Manager/Manager Ben Montgomery decided to start lefty Zach Phillips to try to neutralize the strong left handed bats of the Reds.
The Brewers struck early in the game scoring four runs on six hits. This rally was highlighted by back to back doubles from battery mates Stephen Vogt and Zach Phillips. The Reds struck back with three runs in the bottom of the inning. The knocked three extra base hits in the inning, but the rally was stifled when Shane Victorino threw out Brian Roberts at home.
The game entered the bottom of the ninth inning with the Brewers clinging to a 6-4 lead and new closer Evan Meek trotting to the mound. This was not destined to be an easy save my the first year closer. The Reds led off the inning with three straight singles to bring Billy Butler up with the bases loaded and nobody out. Meek coaxed Butler to roll over on a curve ball and ground into a 4-6-3 double play. This allowed one run to score and bring leave the tying run on third base. Manager Ben Montgomery elected to intentionally walk Shin Soo Choo to pitch to Adrian Beltre. Meek would get the final out by inducing a weak fly to left fielder Aaron Cunningham to seal the Brewers first victory of the year.
Result: Brewers 6, Reds 5 - WP: Phillips (1-0), LP: Hammel (0-1), S: Meek (1)
Game MVP: Martin Prado
Prado went 3-5 with a run scored. He started the game as the left fielder, but moved to second base in the 9th and helped start the double play that gave Meek the chance to escape with the save.
2011 Brewers Game Log
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2011 Brewers Game Log
Last edited by Brewers on Tue Apr 19, 2011 7:03 pm, edited 4 times in total.
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Game 2: 4/2/11 - MIL (Coke 0-0) @ CIN (Vazquez 0-0)
Game 2: 4/2/11 -- [1-0] MIL: Coke 0-0, 0.00) @ [0-1] CIN: Vazquez (0-0, 0.00)
Manager Ben Montgomery praised new starter Zach Phillips on his gutsy performance in the opener in the face of the Brewers top two starters, Strasburg and Cueto, being injured. After the success of lefty Phillips, Montgomery decided to send Phil Coke to the mound with the same lineup that backed up Phillips on opening day.
The game started very sloppily as a wild pitch and a passed ball allowed the Brewers to scratch out two runs on Vazquez in the first innings. An error my Milwaukee second baseman Chris Coghlan allowed the Reds to put up three runs against Phil Coke. The game would take the key from the first inning and remain sloppy the whole game as the teams would rack up two errors, two passed balls, three wild pitches, a hit batsman, and a slew of questionable base running errors.
In the bottom of the fourth, the Reds led 4-3 when Manger Montgomery would make a crucial decision. With two out and a man on second, Montgomery elected to intentionally walk Adrian Beltre to face Hunter Pence. Pence would make Phil Coke pay by taking him deep for a 7-3 lead. Devin Mesoraco would follow with another home run that would spell the end of the day for Mr. Coke.
Both teams continued to score, but the best drama was saved for the ninth inning for the second day in a row. Cincinnati reliever Cody Eppley walked two and hit a third to load the bases with no one out. Bill Bray was brought in to neutralize the Brewer lefties and did his job by yielding just one run on an RBI single by Chris Coughlan. Bray secured an 11-8 victory for Javier Vazquez and the Reds.
Result: Reds 11, Brewers 8 - WP: Vazquez (1-0), LP: Coke (0-1), S: Bray (1)
Game MVP: Hunter Pence.
Although Devin Mesoraco went 4-5 with a HR and two RBI, it was Pence's home run that changed the complexion of the game.
Best Brewers: Skip Schumaker
Leadoff man Skip Schumaker was 3-4 with three runs scored and two RBI.
Manager Ben Montgomery praised new starter Zach Phillips on his gutsy performance in the opener in the face of the Brewers top two starters, Strasburg and Cueto, being injured. After the success of lefty Phillips, Montgomery decided to send Phil Coke to the mound with the same lineup that backed up Phillips on opening day.
The game started very sloppily as a wild pitch and a passed ball allowed the Brewers to scratch out two runs on Vazquez in the first innings. An error my Milwaukee second baseman Chris Coghlan allowed the Reds to put up three runs against Phil Coke. The game would take the key from the first inning and remain sloppy the whole game as the teams would rack up two errors, two passed balls, three wild pitches, a hit batsman, and a slew of questionable base running errors.
In the bottom of the fourth, the Reds led 4-3 when Manger Montgomery would make a crucial decision. With two out and a man on second, Montgomery elected to intentionally walk Adrian Beltre to face Hunter Pence. Pence would make Phil Coke pay by taking him deep for a 7-3 lead. Devin Mesoraco would follow with another home run that would spell the end of the day for Mr. Coke.
Both teams continued to score, but the best drama was saved for the ninth inning for the second day in a row. Cincinnati reliever Cody Eppley walked two and hit a third to load the bases with no one out. Bill Bray was brought in to neutralize the Brewer lefties and did his job by yielding just one run on an RBI single by Chris Coughlan. Bray secured an 11-8 victory for Javier Vazquez and the Reds.
Result: Reds 11, Brewers 8 - WP: Vazquez (1-0), LP: Coke (0-1), S: Bray (1)
Game MVP: Hunter Pence.
Although Devin Mesoraco went 4-5 with a HR and two RBI, it was Pence's home run that changed the complexion of the game.
Best Brewers: Skip Schumaker
Leadoff man Skip Schumaker was 3-4 with three runs scored and two RBI.
Last edited by Brewers on Tue Apr 19, 2011 7:04 pm, edited 3 times in total.
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Game 3: 4/3/11 -- [1-1] MIL: Resop (0-0, 0.00) @ [1-1] CIN: Lackey (0-0, 0.00)
Although Manager Ben Montgomery took some heat for the decision to start Phil Coke and challenge Hunter Pence, he remained confidant coming into the rubber game of the opening series. Milwaukee would send one of their new additions to the hill in Chris Resop. The hope was that he could keep the ball in the park against some tough Reds hitters.
This game started out as fast as the previous three games and would share in the late game tension of the previous pair. Skip Schumaker and Shane Victorino led off the game with doubles that would plate the first run. This looked to be another offensive showdown. Lackey would settle down with a strike out and two ground balls to set a new tone. In the bottom of the first, Billy Butler would double in a run off Chris Resop to tie the game.
The game would remain tied 1-1 with few good scoring chances until the top of the sixth inning. After an Escobar groundout, Schumaker would single and be followed by walks by Victorino and Coghlan. With the bases loaded and one out, Martin Prado lifted a ball to left field that appeared deep enough to score the go ahead run. Skip Schumaker didn't get a great jump and was thrown out at home by Shin Soo Choo to end complete a creative inning ending double play. The bottom of the sixth would see the Reds load the bases on Manny Delcarman with two outs, but Javier Lopez would come in to strike out Luke Scott to end the threat.
In the top of the eighth, Montgomery was again in the spotlight when Shane Victorino swung through a high fastball on a hit and run that resulted in Alcides Escobar being thrown out at third. The failed hit and run ended a rally that had two guys on with no one out and the middle of the lineup coming up. After the game, Victorino would take responsibility for not executing the play, but his manager was not looking very good in the eyes of the Brewer faithful.
The ninth and tenth inning passed without a serious threat. With the game still 1-1 in the top of the 10th, Shane Victorino stepped to the plate and knocked a go ahead home run off new reliever David Robertson. The Brewers would push across another run, and Evan Meek would strike out two for his second save in a 3-1 Brewer victory.
Result: Brewers 3, Reds 1 (11) - WP: Wilkie (1-0), LP: Robertson (0-1), S: Meek (2)
Game MVP: Shane Victorino
The Flyin' Hawaiin didn't look great after botching the hit and run in the eighth, but he recovered to hit the game winning home run in extra innings. He also played great defense to back starter Chris Resop.
Honorable Mention goes to Jesse Crain who pitched three innings of relief, gave up zero hits, and struck out three all while only throwing 30 pitches.
Although Manager Ben Montgomery took some heat for the decision to start Phil Coke and challenge Hunter Pence, he remained confidant coming into the rubber game of the opening series. Milwaukee would send one of their new additions to the hill in Chris Resop. The hope was that he could keep the ball in the park against some tough Reds hitters.
This game started out as fast as the previous three games and would share in the late game tension of the previous pair. Skip Schumaker and Shane Victorino led off the game with doubles that would plate the first run. This looked to be another offensive showdown. Lackey would settle down with a strike out and two ground balls to set a new tone. In the bottom of the first, Billy Butler would double in a run off Chris Resop to tie the game.
The game would remain tied 1-1 with few good scoring chances until the top of the sixth inning. After an Escobar groundout, Schumaker would single and be followed by walks by Victorino and Coghlan. With the bases loaded and one out, Martin Prado lifted a ball to left field that appeared deep enough to score the go ahead run. Skip Schumaker didn't get a great jump and was thrown out at home by Shin Soo Choo to end complete a creative inning ending double play. The bottom of the sixth would see the Reds load the bases on Manny Delcarman with two outs, but Javier Lopez would come in to strike out Luke Scott to end the threat.
In the top of the eighth, Montgomery was again in the spotlight when Shane Victorino swung through a high fastball on a hit and run that resulted in Alcides Escobar being thrown out at third. The failed hit and run ended a rally that had two guys on with no one out and the middle of the lineup coming up. After the game, Victorino would take responsibility for not executing the play, but his manager was not looking very good in the eyes of the Brewer faithful.
The ninth and tenth inning passed without a serious threat. With the game still 1-1 in the top of the 10th, Shane Victorino stepped to the plate and knocked a go ahead home run off new reliever David Robertson. The Brewers would push across another run, and Evan Meek would strike out two for his second save in a 3-1 Brewer victory.
Result: Brewers 3, Reds 1 (11) - WP: Wilkie (1-0), LP: Robertson (0-1), S: Meek (2)
Game MVP: Shane Victorino
The Flyin' Hawaiin didn't look great after botching the hit and run in the eighth, but he recovered to hit the game winning home run in extra innings. He also played great defense to back starter Chris Resop.
Honorable Mention goes to Jesse Crain who pitched three innings of relief, gave up zero hits, and struck out three all while only throwing 30 pitches.
Last edited by Brewers on Tue Apr 19, 2011 7:06 pm, edited 5 times in total.
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Game 4: 4/4/11 -- [1-2] ATL: Sanabia (0-0, 0.00) @ [2-1] MIL: Harang (0-0, 0.00)
Milwaukee enters their home opener with an unexpected 2-1 record. Manager Ben Montgomery wanted Aaron Harang to start the home opener and shield him from the Great American ballpark, so the Brewers had the opportunity to send out their horse in the fourth ball game of the year.
Trailing 1-0, the Brewers again get a huge hit from catcher Stephen Vogt. Vogt drives a double off the fence to drive in the tying run and send the second run to third for Escobar to knock in with a sacrifice fly.
In the fifth inning with the game 3-1, the Brewers again had some clutch hitting push them further out front. Dan Murphy clears the bases with a double to the gap, and Alcides Escobar hits his 1st Milwaukee home run which was a three run shot.
Harang ended up going six and two thirds and giving up four runs. Delcarman and Meek close out the home opener for a 10-5 victory that leaves the Brewers 4-1 this year.
Result: Brewers 10, Braves 5 - WP: Harang (1-0), LP: Sanabia (0-1)
Player of the Game: Alcides Escobar 2-3, R, 5 RBI
Escobar was brought in for his glove, but his five RBI were the difference in the home opener. If he can continue to provide this level of offense, he will rack up many player of the game awards.
Milwaukee enters their home opener with an unexpected 2-1 record. Manager Ben Montgomery wanted Aaron Harang to start the home opener and shield him from the Great American ballpark, so the Brewers had the opportunity to send out their horse in the fourth ball game of the year.
Trailing 1-0, the Brewers again get a huge hit from catcher Stephen Vogt. Vogt drives a double off the fence to drive in the tying run and send the second run to third for Escobar to knock in with a sacrifice fly.
In the fifth inning with the game 3-1, the Brewers again had some clutch hitting push them further out front. Dan Murphy clears the bases with a double to the gap, and Alcides Escobar hits his 1st Milwaukee home run which was a three run shot.
Harang ended up going six and two thirds and giving up four runs. Delcarman and Meek close out the home opener for a 10-5 victory that leaves the Brewers 4-1 this year.
Result: Brewers 10, Braves 5 - WP: Harang (1-0), LP: Sanabia (0-1)
Player of the Game: Alcides Escobar 2-3, R, 5 RBI
Escobar was brought in for his glove, but his five RBI were the difference in the home opener. If he can continue to provide this level of offense, he will rack up many player of the game awards.
Last edited by Brewers on Tue Apr 19, 2011 7:08 pm, edited 3 times in total.
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Game 5: 4/5/11 -- [1-3] ATL: Lamb (0-0, 0.00) @ [3-1] MIL: Phillips (1-0, 4.50)
The Brewers enter the game confidently with the pitcher who won the opener in Cincinnati. Zach Phillips looked very impressive in his first start, and the Brewers would be facing a rookie left-handed pitcher.
The Brewers first rally was a bases loaded situation that ended when Phillips was forced to use his bat instead of his fastball. In the bottom of the third, the Brewers used three singles and two walks to score the first three runs of the game. This was the second game that Phillips would be staked to a lead.
In the fourth, Atlanta would strike back with left hander Alex Gordon roping a double over Aaron Cunningham's head to plate two key runs. In the top of the seventh, the wheels on the Zach Phillip's train fell off. Phillips would surrender 4 straight hits on the way to being lifted for Manny Delcarman who would combine with him to give up three runs. A Dan Murphy double would bring the game back to 6-5 going into the ninth, but the Braves would add a run and take a 7-5 win.
Result: Braves 7, Brewers 5 - WP: Lamb (1-0), LP: Phillips (1-1), S: Demel (1))
Game MVP: John Lamb 6 IP, 3 ER, 5 K
Rookie John Lamb calmed the butterflies and notched a quality start against a hot offensive team. His first victory allowed the Braves to pull even in the series.
Best Brewer: Martin Prado 3-5, 2B, R, RBI
Martin Prado was the leader against a left handed starter. The Brewers should be more potent against lefties when Kendry Morales is able to return or Steven Pearce heats up.
The Brewers enter the game confidently with the pitcher who won the opener in Cincinnati. Zach Phillips looked very impressive in his first start, and the Brewers would be facing a rookie left-handed pitcher.
The Brewers first rally was a bases loaded situation that ended when Phillips was forced to use his bat instead of his fastball. In the bottom of the third, the Brewers used three singles and two walks to score the first three runs of the game. This was the second game that Phillips would be staked to a lead.
In the fourth, Atlanta would strike back with left hander Alex Gordon roping a double over Aaron Cunningham's head to plate two key runs. In the top of the seventh, the wheels on the Zach Phillip's train fell off. Phillips would surrender 4 straight hits on the way to being lifted for Manny Delcarman who would combine with him to give up three runs. A Dan Murphy double would bring the game back to 6-5 going into the ninth, but the Braves would add a run and take a 7-5 win.
Result: Braves 7, Brewers 5 - WP: Lamb (1-0), LP: Phillips (1-1), S: Demel (1))
Game MVP: John Lamb 6 IP, 3 ER, 5 K
Rookie John Lamb calmed the butterflies and notched a quality start against a hot offensive team. His first victory allowed the Braves to pull even in the series.
Best Brewer: Martin Prado 3-5, 2B, R, RBI
Martin Prado was the leader against a left handed starter. The Brewers should be more potent against lefties when Kendry Morales is able to return or Steven Pearce heats up.
Last edited by Brewers on Tue Apr 19, 2011 7:10 pm, edited 3 times in total.
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Game 6: 4/6/11 -- [2-3] ATL: Bedard (0-0, 3.60) @ [3-2] MIL: Norris (0-0, 0.00)
Looking to provide opportunities for their many starters, Ben Montgomery decided to start Bud Norris against the Atlanta Brave ace Erik Bedard. The Brewers were looking to improved their 3-2 record.
The Braves bats were hot in the first three innings and the plated five runs against Norris with RBI hits by Markakis, Romine, Maybin, and Kubel. A 5-0 lead changed the complexion of the game, even though Norris would go on to throw four shutout innings striking out 8 to take some success out of his first start.
Coghlan, Prado, and Victorino would find a way to put together a three run rally to cut the lead to 5-3, but the Braves would strike back with a run off Javier Lopez and three runs off Jesse Crain that would lead to their 9-4 victory.
Result: Braves 9, Brewers 4 - WP: Bedard (1-0), LP: Norris (0-1)
Game MVP: Jason Kubel 3-5, 2B, 3 RBI
Jason Kubel was a key part of the attack that totaled 15 hits and 3 walks against Brewer hitters.
Best Brewer: Martin Prado 3-5, RBI
Martin Prado again led the offense against a tough left handed pitcher.
Looking to provide opportunities for their many starters, Ben Montgomery decided to start Bud Norris against the Atlanta Brave ace Erik Bedard. The Brewers were looking to improved their 3-2 record.
The Braves bats were hot in the first three innings and the plated five runs against Norris with RBI hits by Markakis, Romine, Maybin, and Kubel. A 5-0 lead changed the complexion of the game, even though Norris would go on to throw four shutout innings striking out 8 to take some success out of his first start.
Coghlan, Prado, and Victorino would find a way to put together a three run rally to cut the lead to 5-3, but the Braves would strike back with a run off Javier Lopez and three runs off Jesse Crain that would lead to their 9-4 victory.
Result: Braves 9, Brewers 4 - WP: Bedard (1-0), LP: Norris (0-1)
Game MVP: Jason Kubel 3-5, 2B, 3 RBI
Jason Kubel was a key part of the attack that totaled 15 hits and 3 walks against Brewer hitters.
Best Brewer: Martin Prado 3-5, RBI
Martin Prado again led the offense against a tough left handed pitcher.
Last edited by Brewers on Tue Apr 19, 2011 7:11 pm, edited 2 times in total.
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Game 7: 4/7/11 -- [3-3] ATL: Santana (0-0, 19.69) @ [3-3] MIL: Maloney (0-0, 0.00)
Still searching for answers, the Brewers started another lefty in the final game of the Atlanta series. Matt Maloney was a key part of last year's rotation, but he gave up far too many home runs in spring training and so didn't draw a start until game 7.
In the top of the second inning, Jason Kubel would put the Braves in front again with a two RBI single. The Braves were riding a wave of confidence looking to take the series 3-1. They knew they would need some runs to support Ervin Santana who struggled in his first start.
Neither team mounted much offense on the day, but the Brewers would pick up a run in the fourth on a Mat Gamel RBI single, and a run in the fifth on a Matt Maloney RBI single. This tied the game 2-2 and put it back in the hands of the starters.
In the top of the eighth, the Braves loaded the bases with one out and brought on pinch hitter Josh Fields. After a visit by the pitching coach, Matt Maloney coaxed a pop out to Victorino by Fields and a foul pop out from Austin Romine to escape the rally.
Braves reliever Pat Neshek shut down a rally in the 8th inning. Then Evan Meek pitched a scoreless top of the ninth to set up some late inning theatrics. Neshek stayed in to pitch and gave up a leadoff double to Martin Prado. Gamel was unable to get him over to third, but Dan Murphy followed with a walkoff two run home run off Neshek.
Result: Brewers 4, Braves 2 - WP: Meek (1-0), LP: Neshek (1-2)
Game MVP: Matt Maloney 8 IP, 2 ER, 3 BB, 2 K
Matt Maloney was the stopper that the Brewers needed. He kept the Braves in check and allowed the Brewers to split the series and go into their weekend series with Chicago with a 4-3 record.
Still searching for answers, the Brewers started another lefty in the final game of the Atlanta series. Matt Maloney was a key part of last year's rotation, but he gave up far too many home runs in spring training and so didn't draw a start until game 7.
In the top of the second inning, Jason Kubel would put the Braves in front again with a two RBI single. The Braves were riding a wave of confidence looking to take the series 3-1. They knew they would need some runs to support Ervin Santana who struggled in his first start.
Neither team mounted much offense on the day, but the Brewers would pick up a run in the fourth on a Mat Gamel RBI single, and a run in the fifth on a Matt Maloney RBI single. This tied the game 2-2 and put it back in the hands of the starters.
In the top of the eighth, the Braves loaded the bases with one out and brought on pinch hitter Josh Fields. After a visit by the pitching coach, Matt Maloney coaxed a pop out to Victorino by Fields and a foul pop out from Austin Romine to escape the rally.
Braves reliever Pat Neshek shut down a rally in the 8th inning. Then Evan Meek pitched a scoreless top of the ninth to set up some late inning theatrics. Neshek stayed in to pitch and gave up a leadoff double to Martin Prado. Gamel was unable to get him over to third, but Dan Murphy followed with a walkoff two run home run off Neshek.
Result: Brewers 4, Braves 2 - WP: Meek (1-0), LP: Neshek (1-2)
Game MVP: Matt Maloney 8 IP, 2 ER, 3 BB, 2 K
Matt Maloney was the stopper that the Brewers needed. He kept the Braves in check and allowed the Brewers to split the series and go into their weekend series with Chicago with a 4-3 record.
Last edited by Brewers on Tue Apr 19, 2011 7:12 pm, edited 2 times in total.
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Game 8: 4/8/11 -- [1-6] CHN: Kershaw (0-1, 2.57) @ [4-3] MIL: Resop (0-0, 1.69)
In the second home series of the year, the 4-3 Brewers would send their top pitcher from the first week up against the 1-5 Cubs tall lefty ace Kershaw. Chris Resop was hoping to provide the team with a chance to scrape out a few runs against Kershaw or the bullpen and sneak out with a victory.
Clayton Kershaw didn't appear to have his best stuff out of the gate as the Brewers jumped on him in the bottom of the first inning. Chris Coghlan opened the game by roping a 3-1 fastball over the right field fence for a lead off home run. Hot hitting Martin Prado followed with a single to set the stage for Shane Victorino's second home run of the season and a 3-0 Brewer lead.
After the Victorino home run, Cubs manager Gabe Hammad went to the mound to settle down his young hurler. Kershaw then proceeded to strike out the next three hitters on his way to a ten strike out game. Kershaw would also add an RBI to his impressive strike out performance. The Brewers added their final two runs on an error, two infield singles, and an RBI single by Wilin Rosario.
In the ninth inning, Casey Mulligan loaded the bases with two outs and had to be relieved by Javier Lopez. Lopez struck out pinch hitter Mark Teahen, and Rosario recovered the ball and stepped on the plate to end the game.
Result: Brewers 5, Cubs 1 - WP: Resop (1-0), LP: Kershaw (0-2), S: Lopez (1)
Game MVP: Chris Resop 7 IP, 4 H, 1 ER, 2 BB, 7 K
Chris Resop has turned into the leader of the staff through the first two rounds of the rotation. His stamina leads to the need of good bullpen work, but he was able to get through seven innings easily and pick up his first win of the season.
In the second home series of the year, the 4-3 Brewers would send their top pitcher from the first week up against the 1-5 Cubs tall lefty ace Kershaw. Chris Resop was hoping to provide the team with a chance to scrape out a few runs against Kershaw or the bullpen and sneak out with a victory.
Clayton Kershaw didn't appear to have his best stuff out of the gate as the Brewers jumped on him in the bottom of the first inning. Chris Coghlan opened the game by roping a 3-1 fastball over the right field fence for a lead off home run. Hot hitting Martin Prado followed with a single to set the stage for Shane Victorino's second home run of the season and a 3-0 Brewer lead.
After the Victorino home run, Cubs manager Gabe Hammad went to the mound to settle down his young hurler. Kershaw then proceeded to strike out the next three hitters on his way to a ten strike out game. Kershaw would also add an RBI to his impressive strike out performance. The Brewers added their final two runs on an error, two infield singles, and an RBI single by Wilin Rosario.
In the ninth inning, Casey Mulligan loaded the bases with two outs and had to be relieved by Javier Lopez. Lopez struck out pinch hitter Mark Teahen, and Rosario recovered the ball and stepped on the plate to end the game.
Result: Brewers 5, Cubs 1 - WP: Resop (1-0), LP: Kershaw (0-2), S: Lopez (1)
Game MVP: Chris Resop 7 IP, 4 H, 1 ER, 2 BB, 7 K
Chris Resop has turned into the leader of the staff through the first two rounds of the rotation. His stamina leads to the need of good bullpen work, but he was able to get through seven innings easily and pick up his first win of the season.
Last edited by Brewers on Tue Apr 19, 2011 7:14 pm, edited 2 times in total.
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Game 9: 4/9/11 -- [1-7] CHN: James McDonald (0-1, INF) @ [5-3] MIL: Harang (1-0, 5.40)
This game looked like another chance for the Brewers to add to their win total. Aaron Harang was facing a pitcher who had given up six runs without recording an out in a previous encounter. The Brewers sent a confidant team into the game looking to move to 6-3.
That confidence was quickly shattered due to a comedy of errors by Aaron Harang and Stephen Vogt. The duo hit a batter, gave up a stolen base, failed to throw out the opposing catcher on a tap back to the mound, and committed catcher's interference. Luckily this only resulted in two runs being put on the score board by the Cubs.
Outside of a Victorino RBI single, the Brewers never really recovered from that first inning and went on to lose the game 4-1. It was shocking how little offense they could muster against a guy who started the game with an infinite ERA and ended with a 7.88 ERA.
Result: Cubs 4, Brewers 1 - WP: McDonald (1-1), LP: Harang (1-1), S: Marmol (2)
Game MVP: James McDonald - 8 IP, 6 H, 1 ER, 0 BB, 5 K
McDonald came up with a big stop for the 1-7 Cubs. The Brewers were left doubting their abilities with the lumber in their hands. I hope that this doesn't cause a hangover by the Brew Crew with the rubber match tomorrow and a series with Pittsburgh on the way.
Best Brewer: Aaron Harang 6 IP, 7 H, 2 ER, 2 BB, 4 K
The offense was asleep so we have to give the nod to the big ugly who put up a quality start in the loss.
This game looked like another chance for the Brewers to add to their win total. Aaron Harang was facing a pitcher who had given up six runs without recording an out in a previous encounter. The Brewers sent a confidant team into the game looking to move to 6-3.
That confidence was quickly shattered due to a comedy of errors by Aaron Harang and Stephen Vogt. The duo hit a batter, gave up a stolen base, failed to throw out the opposing catcher on a tap back to the mound, and committed catcher's interference. Luckily this only resulted in two runs being put on the score board by the Cubs.
Outside of a Victorino RBI single, the Brewers never really recovered from that first inning and went on to lose the game 4-1. It was shocking how little offense they could muster against a guy who started the game with an infinite ERA and ended with a 7.88 ERA.
Result: Cubs 4, Brewers 1 - WP: McDonald (1-1), LP: Harang (1-1), S: Marmol (2)
Game MVP: James McDonald - 8 IP, 6 H, 1 ER, 0 BB, 5 K
McDonald came up with a big stop for the 1-7 Cubs. The Brewers were left doubting their abilities with the lumber in their hands. I hope that this doesn't cause a hangover by the Brew Crew with the rubber match tomorrow and a series with Pittsburgh on the way.
Best Brewer: Aaron Harang 6 IP, 7 H, 2 ER, 2 BB, 4 K
The offense was asleep so we have to give the nod to the big ugly who put up a quality start in the loss.
Last edited by Brewers on Tue Apr 19, 2011 7:15 pm, edited 3 times in total.
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Game 10: 4/10/11 -- [2-7] CHN: Gonzalez (1-0, 3.00) @ [5-4] MIL: Jimenez (0-0, 0.00)
Brewer's manager Ben Montgomery chose to start new acquisition Cesar Jimenez in a crucial rubber match at home against Chicago. Jimenez is another lefty with stamina issues that pitched well in spring training, and the Brewers felt fortunate to land him.
Jimenez cruised through the first two innings. The wheels fell off in the third as he gave up four hits and a walk that plated four huge runs for the Cubs. With the offense struggling and their confidence down, the Brewers faced a long road uphill. Dave Sappelt hit a two run home run in the next inning which spelled curtains for Jimenez and the Brewers good start.
Casey Mulligan continued to struggle by allowing another pair of runs to score on the way to a 9-3 loss. After the game, Casey Mulligan was released to make way for the signing of reliever Guillermo Mota. Jimenez was also sent down and may soon be out of work.
This series was a near disaster for the Brewers who had hoped to continue some early season momentum. The face the Pirates next and look forward to trying to play their division rivals competitively.
Result: Cubs 9, Brewers 3 - WP: Gonzalez (2-0), LP: Jimenez (0-1)
Game MVP: Jose Tabata 4-5, 2B, 2 R, RBI
Tabata was a threat at the plate, on the bases, and in the field. Tabata played a great series and is rewarded with the player of the game award in the deciding game of this early series.
Best Brewer: Shane Victorino 3-4, RBI
The Brewers offense remained in a slump, but Victorino managed to stay hot with three hits. The top three of Coghlan, Victorino, and Prado have managed to hit over .300 through 10 games.
Brewer's manager Ben Montgomery chose to start new acquisition Cesar Jimenez in a crucial rubber match at home against Chicago. Jimenez is another lefty with stamina issues that pitched well in spring training, and the Brewers felt fortunate to land him.
Jimenez cruised through the first two innings. The wheels fell off in the third as he gave up four hits and a walk that plated four huge runs for the Cubs. With the offense struggling and their confidence down, the Brewers faced a long road uphill. Dave Sappelt hit a two run home run in the next inning which spelled curtains for Jimenez and the Brewers good start.
Casey Mulligan continued to struggle by allowing another pair of runs to score on the way to a 9-3 loss. After the game, Casey Mulligan was released to make way for the signing of reliever Guillermo Mota. Jimenez was also sent down and may soon be out of work.
This series was a near disaster for the Brewers who had hoped to continue some early season momentum. The face the Pirates next and look forward to trying to play their division rivals competitively.
Result: Cubs 9, Brewers 3 - WP: Gonzalez (2-0), LP: Jimenez (0-1)
Game MVP: Jose Tabata 4-5, 2B, 2 R, RBI
Tabata was a threat at the plate, on the bases, and in the field. Tabata played a great series and is rewarded with the player of the game award in the deciding game of this early series.
Best Brewer: Shane Victorino 3-4, RBI
The Brewers offense remained in a slump, but Victorino managed to stay hot with three hits. The top three of Coghlan, Victorino, and Prado have managed to hit over .300 through 10 games.
Last edited by Brewers on Tue Apr 19, 2011 7:16 pm, edited 2 times in total.
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Game 11: 4/12/11 -- [5-5] MIL: Phillips (1-1, 6.75) @ [8-2] PIT: Haren (2-0, 2.40)
The Brewers come into their first game with Pittsburgh this year with little momentum as they just dropped a home series to a sub-.500 team. The Pirates are dealing with the loss of Evan Longoria, but the pitching just doesn't seem like a good match up for the Crew.
Through the first three innings, Zach Phillips matched zeroes with Dan Haren. Phillips just had to do it more creatively. The Pirates would draw first blood that was caused by Phillips own error that led to a run scoring double play groundout by Jason Giambi.
In the seventh inning, the Brewers brought home the tying run with a pinch hit, two out RBI off the bat of Chris Getz that brought Chris Coghlan in from third. Following the inning, the Brewers brought in their best defensive team to try to scratch out a victory from the Pirates. New signing Guilermo Mota was brought in to preserve the tie. He induced a pop out from Rafael Furcal and coaxed Jason Giambi into a routine ground ball to second base. This ground ball would be the end of the night for the Brewers as Coghlan took his eyes off the ball and booted it. Mota fumed on the mound and proceeded to fall apart as Milwaukee pitchers gave up four straight singles, hit a batter, and walked home a run to allow the Pirates to score four runs.
The Brewers loaded the bases with two outs in the eighth and got a two RBI double from Dan Murphy before Stephen Vogt struck out. The Pirates would tack on one more run in the ninth to give them a well earned 6-3 victory in the series opener.
Result: Pirates 6, Brewers 3 - WP: Haren (3-0), LP: Mota (0-1), S: Broxton (5)
Game MVP: Dan Haren 7 IP, 5 H, 0 ER, 0 BB, 7 K
Pitching was supposed to be the difference in this series and it sure was in game one. Milwaukee's starting pitching performed well, but they were just no match for Haren on this night.
Best Brewer: Zach Phillips 6 IP, 2 H, 0 ER, 2 BB, 4 K
Zach Phillips was called on to set the tone for the Brewers and pitched very well. He had a bad start in the middle, but he has pitched two very fine games for the Brew Crew.
The Brewers come into their first game with Pittsburgh this year with little momentum as they just dropped a home series to a sub-.500 team. The Pirates are dealing with the loss of Evan Longoria, but the pitching just doesn't seem like a good match up for the Crew.
Through the first three innings, Zach Phillips matched zeroes with Dan Haren. Phillips just had to do it more creatively. The Pirates would draw first blood that was caused by Phillips own error that led to a run scoring double play groundout by Jason Giambi.
In the seventh inning, the Brewers brought home the tying run with a pinch hit, two out RBI off the bat of Chris Getz that brought Chris Coghlan in from third. Following the inning, the Brewers brought in their best defensive team to try to scratch out a victory from the Pirates. New signing Guilermo Mota was brought in to preserve the tie. He induced a pop out from Rafael Furcal and coaxed Jason Giambi into a routine ground ball to second base. This ground ball would be the end of the night for the Brewers as Coghlan took his eyes off the ball and booted it. Mota fumed on the mound and proceeded to fall apart as Milwaukee pitchers gave up four straight singles, hit a batter, and walked home a run to allow the Pirates to score four runs.
The Brewers loaded the bases with two outs in the eighth and got a two RBI double from Dan Murphy before Stephen Vogt struck out. The Pirates would tack on one more run in the ninth to give them a well earned 6-3 victory in the series opener.
Result: Pirates 6, Brewers 3 - WP: Haren (3-0), LP: Mota (0-1), S: Broxton (5)
Game MVP: Dan Haren 7 IP, 5 H, 0 ER, 0 BB, 7 K
Pitching was supposed to be the difference in this series and it sure was in game one. Milwaukee's starting pitching performed well, but they were just no match for Haren on this night.
Best Brewer: Zach Phillips 6 IP, 2 H, 0 ER, 2 BB, 4 K
Zach Phillips was called on to set the tone for the Brewers and pitched very well. He had a bad start in the middle, but he has pitched two very fine games for the Brew Crew.
Last edited by Brewers on Tue Apr 19, 2011 7:17 pm, edited 2 times in total.
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Game 12: 4/13/11 -- [5-6] MIL: Resop (1-0, 1.46) @ [9-2] PIT: Nolasco (2-0, 1.32)
After watching some game film of the two starters this season and looking at the struggles of the two offenses in the first game, this appeared to be set for another low scoring affair. With Ichiro, Gardner, and Furcal in the lineup, Milwaukee manager Ben Montgomery decided to start his best glove at catcher: Wilin Rosario.
The first threat would come in the bottom of the sixth inning with runners on the corners, Eric Young came up to bat. Chris Resop would escape that jam by coaxing a 3-6-3 double play that was turned by two of Milwaukee's finest defenders. In the third inning the Brewer defense would again raise it's ugly head. Pittsburgh scratched out two runs with walks to Gardner and Youkillis and a single by Ichiro that plated Gardner. Kevin Youkillis was able to score on a poor throw by rightfielder Skip Schumaker.
Resop was in and out of trouble all night. In the fifth, he struck out Matt Holliday with the bases loaded and kept Giambi in the park due to a fine play by Shane Victorino. The Pirates would tack on a couple more runs on an RBI groundout and a wild pitch, but the game was really never in question for the Bucs. Milwaukee scored once but rarely threatened outside of that inning.
Result: Pirates 4, Brewers 1 - WP: Nolasco (3-0), LP: Resop (1-1), S: Ramirez (2)
Game MVP: Ichiro Suzuki 3-4, RBI
Ichiro was a constant threat in this game and caused a lot of anxiety for the Milwaukee manager. He ended up getting the game winning RBI and the player of the game, but it easily could have gone to Nolasco.
Best Brewer: Dan Murphy 2-4, HR, R, RBI
Dan Murphy's home run was the lone offense that the Brewers could scrape up. Schumaker had three hits, but his error broke the camel's back tonight. This one goes to the suddenly hot Dan Murphy.
After watching some game film of the two starters this season and looking at the struggles of the two offenses in the first game, this appeared to be set for another low scoring affair. With Ichiro, Gardner, and Furcal in the lineup, Milwaukee manager Ben Montgomery decided to start his best glove at catcher: Wilin Rosario.
The first threat would come in the bottom of the sixth inning with runners on the corners, Eric Young came up to bat. Chris Resop would escape that jam by coaxing a 3-6-3 double play that was turned by two of Milwaukee's finest defenders. In the third inning the Brewer defense would again raise it's ugly head. Pittsburgh scratched out two runs with walks to Gardner and Youkillis and a single by Ichiro that plated Gardner. Kevin Youkillis was able to score on a poor throw by rightfielder Skip Schumaker.
Resop was in and out of trouble all night. In the fifth, he struck out Matt Holliday with the bases loaded and kept Giambi in the park due to a fine play by Shane Victorino. The Pirates would tack on a couple more runs on an RBI groundout and a wild pitch, but the game was really never in question for the Bucs. Milwaukee scored once but rarely threatened outside of that inning.
Result: Pirates 4, Brewers 1 - WP: Nolasco (3-0), LP: Resop (1-1), S: Ramirez (2)
Game MVP: Ichiro Suzuki 3-4, RBI
Ichiro was a constant threat in this game and caused a lot of anxiety for the Milwaukee manager. He ended up getting the game winning RBI and the player of the game, but it easily could have gone to Nolasco.
Best Brewer: Dan Murphy 2-4, HR, R, RBI
Dan Murphy's home run was the lone offense that the Brewers could scrape up. Schumaker had three hits, but his error broke the camel's back tonight. This one goes to the suddenly hot Dan Murphy.
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Game 13: 4/14/11 -- [5-7] MIL: Maloney (0-0, 2.25) @ [10-2] PIT: Lincecum (1-1, 4.79)
With the threat of being swept for the first time this year, Milwaukee manager Ben Montgomery went to his bag of tricks to shake things up. Instead of starting Aaron Harang against Lincecum, he decided to start the most impressive pitcher from the first week Matt Maloney. Phillips had success against the Pirates in game one, so Montgomery went back to the well with Maloney. The Brewers actually played well against Lincecum last year, so they went into the finally with a nothing to lose confidence.
The pitching change looked like a terrible idea when Kevin Youkillis, Marlon Byrd, and Rafael Furcal met Matt Maloney and combined to plate two runs in the first inning. The game remained pretty uneventful until the fourth inning when Chris Coghlan led off with an infield single that found a whole between Molina, Lincecum, and Youkillis. Dan Murphy followed with a single to left that Matt Holliday played into a man on second with a run scored situation. Martin Prado would single him in to tie the game.
With the infield in during the bottom of the fourth, Yadier Molina hit a ball back to third baseman Mat Gamel on the contact play and got Rafael Furcal thrown out at home. In the fifth, Dan Murphy doubled home Alcides Escobar for the Brewers first lead in the series. Shane Victorino put the icing on the cake by hitting his third home run with a man on base to stretch the lead to three runs.
Evan Meek would be anything but automatic on this afternoon. He began the bottom of the ninth by walking Matt Holliday and Rafael Furcal with no one out. Jason Giambi, the tying run, hit a long drive that was caught on the warning track in straight away centerfield by Victorino. Holliday moved up to third on the play. Yadier Molina followed with a slow chopper that died in the grass and was scored an infield base hit. Holliday scored and Eric Young came to the plate as the winning run with one out. Meek then discovered his good slider and induced a game ending 6-4-3 double play.
Result: Brewers 5, Pirates 3 - WP: Maloney (1-0), LP: Lincecum (1-2), S: Meek (3)
Game MVP: Dan Murphy 3-4, 2B, R, RBI
Murphy had the single that led to the fourth inning rally and he picked up an RBI in fifth inning with a double. His early offense was key to the Brewers having the confidence to hang with Lincecum.
With the threat of being swept for the first time this year, Milwaukee manager Ben Montgomery went to his bag of tricks to shake things up. Instead of starting Aaron Harang against Lincecum, he decided to start the most impressive pitcher from the first week Matt Maloney. Phillips had success against the Pirates in game one, so Montgomery went back to the well with Maloney. The Brewers actually played well against Lincecum last year, so they went into the finally with a nothing to lose confidence.
The pitching change looked like a terrible idea when Kevin Youkillis, Marlon Byrd, and Rafael Furcal met Matt Maloney and combined to plate two runs in the first inning. The game remained pretty uneventful until the fourth inning when Chris Coghlan led off with an infield single that found a whole between Molina, Lincecum, and Youkillis. Dan Murphy followed with a single to left that Matt Holliday played into a man on second with a run scored situation. Martin Prado would single him in to tie the game.
With the infield in during the bottom of the fourth, Yadier Molina hit a ball back to third baseman Mat Gamel on the contact play and got Rafael Furcal thrown out at home. In the fifth, Dan Murphy doubled home Alcides Escobar for the Brewers first lead in the series. Shane Victorino put the icing on the cake by hitting his third home run with a man on base to stretch the lead to three runs.
Evan Meek would be anything but automatic on this afternoon. He began the bottom of the ninth by walking Matt Holliday and Rafael Furcal with no one out. Jason Giambi, the tying run, hit a long drive that was caught on the warning track in straight away centerfield by Victorino. Holliday moved up to third on the play. Yadier Molina followed with a slow chopper that died in the grass and was scored an infield base hit. Holliday scored and Eric Young came to the plate as the winning run with one out. Meek then discovered his good slider and induced a game ending 6-4-3 double play.
Result: Brewers 5, Pirates 3 - WP: Maloney (1-0), LP: Lincecum (1-2), S: Meek (3)
Game MVP: Dan Murphy 3-4, 2B, R, RBI
Murphy had the single that led to the fourth inning rally and he picked up an RBI in fifth inning with a double. His early offense was key to the Brewers having the confidence to hang with Lincecum.
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Game 14: 4/15/11 -- [6-7] MIL: Harang (1-1, 4.26) @ [5-7] WAS: Cain (0-1, 4.34)
Following a great win against Tim Lincecum, the Brewers traveled to Washington to take on their ace, Matt Cain. After a long trip, Ben Montgomery was hoping to get some help from a rested Aaron Harang and limit the damage to his bullpen in the first game of the series. He also flipped the hot Dan Murphy with Martin Prado in the lineup.
During the top of the fourth inning, the inspired Dan Murphy hit his third home run of the year. This gave Milwaukee a much needed lead to bring them confidence. Harang gave up a single in the next half inning and then wrongly decided to challenge Mike Napoli with a belt high fastball. The Nationals took a 2-1 lead and some of the air was let out of the Brewers balloon. They now had to come back against one of the best pitchers in the league.
The momentum would go back and forth as the teams traded scoring chances. Martin Prado threw Aubrey Huff out at home in the fifth. Cain struck out Coghlan with one out and a runner on third in the sixth. Finally with two out and a runner on, the Brewers would rally for three runs behind singles by Kyle Phillips, Chris Getz, Skip Schumaker, and Shane Victorino. The Brewers would add four more runs off Cain and reliever Alex Hinshaw to take the game 8-2.
Result: Brewers 8, Nationals 2 - WP: Harang (2-1), LP: Cain (0-2), S: Wilkie (1)
Game MVP: Shane Victorino 3-4, 2B, R, 2 RBI
The Brewers were hoping to be carried by their pitching after their travel, but it was the offense that showed up to win the game on this night. Victorino and Martin Prado both had three hits, but it was Victorino who drove in two of the runs.
Following a great win against Tim Lincecum, the Brewers traveled to Washington to take on their ace, Matt Cain. After a long trip, Ben Montgomery was hoping to get some help from a rested Aaron Harang and limit the damage to his bullpen in the first game of the series. He also flipped the hot Dan Murphy with Martin Prado in the lineup.
During the top of the fourth inning, the inspired Dan Murphy hit his third home run of the year. This gave Milwaukee a much needed lead to bring them confidence. Harang gave up a single in the next half inning and then wrongly decided to challenge Mike Napoli with a belt high fastball. The Nationals took a 2-1 lead and some of the air was let out of the Brewers balloon. They now had to come back against one of the best pitchers in the league.
The momentum would go back and forth as the teams traded scoring chances. Martin Prado threw Aubrey Huff out at home in the fifth. Cain struck out Coghlan with one out and a runner on third in the sixth. Finally with two out and a runner on, the Brewers would rally for three runs behind singles by Kyle Phillips, Chris Getz, Skip Schumaker, and Shane Victorino. The Brewers would add four more runs off Cain and reliever Alex Hinshaw to take the game 8-2.
Result: Brewers 8, Nationals 2 - WP: Harang (2-1), LP: Cain (0-2), S: Wilkie (1)
Game MVP: Shane Victorino 3-4, 2B, R, 2 RBI
The Brewers were hoping to be carried by their pitching after their travel, but it was the offense that showed up to win the game on this night. Victorino and Martin Prado both had three hits, but it was Victorino who drove in two of the runs.
Last edited by Brewers on Wed Apr 20, 2011 9:06 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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Game 15: 4/16/11 -- [7-7] MIL: Norris (0-1, 5.14) @ [5-8] WAS: Dempster (0-1, 6.19)
After the nice pitching in the first game, both teams were forced to scour a little deeper to bring in pitchers that have not fared as well in the early season. Milwaukee decided to send out Bud Norris after he pitched well in his first start. The team was looking for him to turn his good peripherals into keeping runs off the board.
The Nationals came out angry in the first after the tongue thrashing they got from their manager for letting Matt Cain down again. They opened with two singles and a walk to load the bases with no one out. Following a brief visit to the mound and some terse words from the manager, Bud Norris struck out Nick Swisher and popped out Aubrey Huff. He would give up one run with a bases loaded walk, but after a Morse ground out the Brewers were feeling fortunate to be trailing by only one run.
A single, wild pitch, and Nick Swisher error would allow Milwaukee to tie the game in the third inning, but the lead would be short lived. In the next half inning, Aubrey Huff took Bud Norris deep for a two-run homerun that would be all the Nationals would need on this night. Mike Napoli would add an RBI single to bring Washington a 4-1 victory.
Result: Nationals 4, Brewers 1 - WP: Dempster (1-1), LP: Norris (0-2), S: Abreu (1)
Game MVP: Ryan Dempster 8 IP, 5 H, 1 ER, 2 BB, 5 K
Dempster didn't fare well in his first game, but he sure was dominant against a Brewer offense that had been riding a hot wave. He set the tone for the rubber match and put all the momentum in Washinton's favor.
Best Brewer: Jesse Crain 2 IP, 1 H, 0 ER, 4 K
A reliever being the best player on the team tells you all you need to know about this game. The offense was a credible center fielder away from being shutout. Crain and Mota combined for four innings of scoreless relief that gave Brewers fans a night of hope.
After the nice pitching in the first game, both teams were forced to scour a little deeper to bring in pitchers that have not fared as well in the early season. Milwaukee decided to send out Bud Norris after he pitched well in his first start. The team was looking for him to turn his good peripherals into keeping runs off the board.
The Nationals came out angry in the first after the tongue thrashing they got from their manager for letting Matt Cain down again. They opened with two singles and a walk to load the bases with no one out. Following a brief visit to the mound and some terse words from the manager, Bud Norris struck out Nick Swisher and popped out Aubrey Huff. He would give up one run with a bases loaded walk, but after a Morse ground out the Brewers were feeling fortunate to be trailing by only one run.
A single, wild pitch, and Nick Swisher error would allow Milwaukee to tie the game in the third inning, but the lead would be short lived. In the next half inning, Aubrey Huff took Bud Norris deep for a two-run homerun that would be all the Nationals would need on this night. Mike Napoli would add an RBI single to bring Washington a 4-1 victory.
Result: Nationals 4, Brewers 1 - WP: Dempster (1-1), LP: Norris (0-2), S: Abreu (1)
Game MVP: Ryan Dempster 8 IP, 5 H, 1 ER, 2 BB, 5 K
Dempster didn't fare well in his first game, but he sure was dominant against a Brewer offense that had been riding a hot wave. He set the tone for the rubber match and put all the momentum in Washinton's favor.
Best Brewer: Jesse Crain 2 IP, 1 H, 0 ER, 4 K
A reliever being the best player on the team tells you all you need to know about this game. The offense was a credible center fielder away from being shutout. Crain and Mota combined for four innings of scoreless relief that gave Brewers fans a night of hope.
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Game 16: 4/17/11 -- [7-8] MIL: Estrada (0-0, 3.86) @ [6-8] WAS: Westbrook (1-0, 4.58)
For the rubber match of this series, Brewers manager Ben Montgomery elected to give long reliever Marco Estrada his first start of the season so that the Nationals had to go up against another guy that would challenge their right handed heavy lineup. The Nationals would counter with sinkerballer Jake Westbrook.
Skip Schumaker would make the first big play of the game by throwing out Nick Swisher at the plate in the first inning. Skip hasn't been the best defensive rightfielder this year, but on this day he did everything right to nail a surprised Swisher. The first run of the game was scored in the fourth inning when Shane Victorino scored on a sacrifice fly by Mat Gamel.
The game remained 1-0 Brewers into the late innings. Milwaukee would threaten first in the eighth inning. With one out, Schumaker walked and Shane Victorino singled to set up a first and third situation. Chris Coghlan hit a slow dribbler up the line that Schumaker tried to score on. Michael Young pounced on the ball and threw him out at the plate on a bang-bang play. Darren Oliver would work himself into additional trouble by throwing a wild pitch to put the runners on second and third, but Dan Murphy hit a harmless fly ball to right field to get the Nationals out of the inning.
The tide would turn in the bottom of the eighth when a tired Marco Estrada left a 3-2 curveball up in the zone that was deposited over the fence by Nick Swisher. The Nationals would generate a double play in the top of the ninth. In the bottom of the inning, reliever Manny Delcarman would be tagged for a walk off homerun by Washington shortstop Alex Gonzalez.
Result: Nationals 2, Brewers 1 - WP: Oliver (3-1), LP: Delcarmen (0-1)
Game MVP: Nick Swisher 3-4, HR, R, RBI
Swisher was thrown out at the plate on a play that appeared that he wasn't hustling, but he would make up for it in a big way. He fouled off a 3-1 slider in order to get the fat pitch that would tie up the game and allow Alex Gonzalez to be the hero.
Best Brewer: Marco Estrada 7.1 IP, 9 H, 1 ER, 2 BB, 8 K
Estrada stepped up big as a spot starter and pitched well enough to win. The Brewers bullpen was slightly taxed, so the manager elected to send him out one inning too long. He looks like he may have earned another start.
For the rubber match of this series, Brewers manager Ben Montgomery elected to give long reliever Marco Estrada his first start of the season so that the Nationals had to go up against another guy that would challenge their right handed heavy lineup. The Nationals would counter with sinkerballer Jake Westbrook.
Skip Schumaker would make the first big play of the game by throwing out Nick Swisher at the plate in the first inning. Skip hasn't been the best defensive rightfielder this year, but on this day he did everything right to nail a surprised Swisher. The first run of the game was scored in the fourth inning when Shane Victorino scored on a sacrifice fly by Mat Gamel.
The game remained 1-0 Brewers into the late innings. Milwaukee would threaten first in the eighth inning. With one out, Schumaker walked and Shane Victorino singled to set up a first and third situation. Chris Coghlan hit a slow dribbler up the line that Schumaker tried to score on. Michael Young pounced on the ball and threw him out at the plate on a bang-bang play. Darren Oliver would work himself into additional trouble by throwing a wild pitch to put the runners on second and third, but Dan Murphy hit a harmless fly ball to right field to get the Nationals out of the inning.
The tide would turn in the bottom of the eighth when a tired Marco Estrada left a 3-2 curveball up in the zone that was deposited over the fence by Nick Swisher. The Nationals would generate a double play in the top of the ninth. In the bottom of the inning, reliever Manny Delcarman would be tagged for a walk off homerun by Washington shortstop Alex Gonzalez.
Result: Nationals 2, Brewers 1 - WP: Oliver (3-1), LP: Delcarmen (0-1)
Game MVP: Nick Swisher 3-4, HR, R, RBI
Swisher was thrown out at the plate on a play that appeared that he wasn't hustling, but he would make up for it in a big way. He fouled off a 3-1 slider in order to get the fat pitch that would tie up the game and allow Alex Gonzalez to be the hero.
Best Brewer: Marco Estrada 7.1 IP, 9 H, 1 ER, 2 BB, 8 K
Estrada stepped up big as a spot starter and pitched well enough to win. The Brewers bullpen was slightly taxed, so the manager elected to send him out one inning too long. He looks like he may have earned another start.
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Game 17: 4/18/11 -- [7-9] MIL: Resop (1-1, 1.96) @ [11-4] PHI: Chacin (1-1, 4.00)
The Brewers faced a tough task coming off a disappointing series on the road to the struggling Nationals. They had to travel to first place Philadelphia to face the red-hot Phillies. The Brewers would be sending Chris Resop who has been their hottest pitcher against the Phillie's ace Jhoulys Chacin.
Resop faced the first challenge when the Phillies put two runners on in the second, but a Sean Rodriguez double play ball would bail him out of that inning. The Brewers would tally the first run thanks to a two out rally that included a key two base error by John Jaso that allowed the run to score. Both pitchers executed well until the Phillies would score their first run on an error charged to second baseman Chris Coghlan.
The Brewers would then rally in the sixth with the score tied at one. Dan Murphy legged out an infield single and then scored from first on a long double by Mat Gamel. After bringing in Aaron Cunningham as a pinch runner/defensive switch, Martin Prado would dump a soft flare into centerfield to bring in Cunningham. The Brewers would score the final run of a 4-1 victory thanks to a Sean Rodriguez fielding error.
Result: Brewers 4, Phillies 1 - WP: Resop (2-1), LP: Chacin (1-2), S: Meek (4)
Game MVP: Chris Resop 6 IP, 4 H, 1 ER, 2 BB, 3 K
Coming off a tough series, Chris Resop sets the tone with a hard fought pitching effort against a tough lineup. He hung around just long enough for the Brewers to scratch out some runs against Chacin and reward him with a victory.
The Brewers faced a tough task coming off a disappointing series on the road to the struggling Nationals. They had to travel to first place Philadelphia to face the red-hot Phillies. The Brewers would be sending Chris Resop who has been their hottest pitcher against the Phillie's ace Jhoulys Chacin.
Resop faced the first challenge when the Phillies put two runners on in the second, but a Sean Rodriguez double play ball would bail him out of that inning. The Brewers would tally the first run thanks to a two out rally that included a key two base error by John Jaso that allowed the run to score. Both pitchers executed well until the Phillies would score their first run on an error charged to second baseman Chris Coghlan.
The Brewers would then rally in the sixth with the score tied at one. Dan Murphy legged out an infield single and then scored from first on a long double by Mat Gamel. After bringing in Aaron Cunningham as a pinch runner/defensive switch, Martin Prado would dump a soft flare into centerfield to bring in Cunningham. The Brewers would score the final run of a 4-1 victory thanks to a Sean Rodriguez fielding error.
Result: Brewers 4, Phillies 1 - WP: Resop (2-1), LP: Chacin (1-2), S: Meek (4)
Game MVP: Chris Resop 6 IP, 4 H, 1 ER, 2 BB, 3 K
Coming off a tough series, Chris Resop sets the tone with a hard fought pitching effort against a tough lineup. He hung around just long enough for the Brewers to scratch out some runs against Chacin and reward him with a victory.
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Game 18: 4/19/11 -- [8-9] MIL: Maloney (1-0, 2.35) @ [11-5] PHI: Pinieda (1-1, 4.08)
After winning game one, the Brewers elected to start hot pitching Matt Maloney despite his propensity to give up the long ball. Ben Montgomery thought that Maloney could keep the ball in the park in Citizen's Bank Park because the Phillies hadn't hit many hard balls off of Chris Resop the night before.
The premise that Maloney would be a good starter in Philadelphia was quickly eradicated. After Chris Coghlan tripped going around third and didn't score on a single to right, The Phillies would open the floodgates in the bottom of the inning. Jerry Sands hit a three run homer and Sean Rodriguez would follow with a two run homer int he second. Maloney would be removed in the third in a 5-2 game with an ugly line. With guys on first and third with no one out in the third, the Brewers failed to score.
Aaron Harang came on in relief to soak up some innings, but he only lasted two and a third innings and gave up two more runs to the Phillies. The Brewers would fight back to score three runs and put the tying runs on base in the eighth with Steven Pearce at bat. Corey Luebke struck him out to end that rally. In the ninth inning, the Brewers again threatened with two outs. They loaded the bases for Shane Victorino, but Johnny Venters struck him out in an eight pitch at bat.
Result: Phillies 7, Brewers 5 - WP: Pinieda (2-1), LP: Maloney (1-1), S: Venters (6)
Game MVP: Jerry Sands 1-3, HR, BB, 2 R, 3 RBI
It was Jerry Sands who greeted Matt Maloney with a shot that would shake the confidence of the rest of the Brewers. His mammoth 484 foot blast set the tone for the game and led the Phillies to victory.
Best Brewer: Dan Murphy 3-4, 2 R
Dan Murphy and Mat Gamel each had three hits today and were a threat every inning they were up. The guys behind them just couldn't come up with the clutch hit that would get the Brewers over that last hump.
After winning game one, the Brewers elected to start hot pitching Matt Maloney despite his propensity to give up the long ball. Ben Montgomery thought that Maloney could keep the ball in the park in Citizen's Bank Park because the Phillies hadn't hit many hard balls off of Chris Resop the night before.
The premise that Maloney would be a good starter in Philadelphia was quickly eradicated. After Chris Coghlan tripped going around third and didn't score on a single to right, The Phillies would open the floodgates in the bottom of the inning. Jerry Sands hit a three run homer and Sean Rodriguez would follow with a two run homer int he second. Maloney would be removed in the third in a 5-2 game with an ugly line. With guys on first and third with no one out in the third, the Brewers failed to score.
Aaron Harang came on in relief to soak up some innings, but he only lasted two and a third innings and gave up two more runs to the Phillies. The Brewers would fight back to score three runs and put the tying runs on base in the eighth with Steven Pearce at bat. Corey Luebke struck him out to end that rally. In the ninth inning, the Brewers again threatened with two outs. They loaded the bases for Shane Victorino, but Johnny Venters struck him out in an eight pitch at bat.
Result: Phillies 7, Brewers 5 - WP: Pinieda (2-1), LP: Maloney (1-1), S: Venters (6)
Game MVP: Jerry Sands 1-3, HR, BB, 2 R, 3 RBI
It was Jerry Sands who greeted Matt Maloney with a shot that would shake the confidence of the rest of the Brewers. His mammoth 484 foot blast set the tone for the game and led the Phillies to victory.
Best Brewer: Dan Murphy 3-4, 2 R
Dan Murphy and Mat Gamel each had three hits today and were a threat every inning they were up. The guys behind them just couldn't come up with the clutch hit that would get the Brewers over that last hump.
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Game 19: 4/20/11 -- [8-10] MIL: Phillips (1-1, 4.50) @ [12-5] PHI: Narveson (3-0, 1.88)
The Brewers entered another rubber match with a chance to win a series from a tough opponent. The Phillies were sending their unbeaten starter to the mound in Chris Narveson, so Ben Montgomery countered with Milwaukee opening day starter Zach Phillips.
The fireworks started early in this one when the Brewers loaded the bases with one out, but all they could manage was a Chris Coghlan RBI sacrifice fly. The Phillies struck back with back to back to back singled by Freeman, Francisco, and Sands to tie the game. The Phillies got a homerun from Bret Morel in the second inning and loaded the bases, but Phillips struck out Ben Francisco to leave them loaded. Trailing by one, Chris Getz and Alcides Escobar would team up for a run with a leadoff single and a near triple by Escobar. It took a great throw to get him at third base.
With the game tied at two in the bottom of the third, the Philadelphia third base coach made a key mistake holding Jerry Sands at third base on a Bret Morel single. He would end up being stranded there. Dee Gordon made his first appearance as a Brewer in the fifth inning. Pinch hitting for Zach Phillips; Gordon singled, stole second, went to third on a ground out, and scored on a Chris Getz sacrifice fly.
The 3-2 game remained that way until the great ninth inning drama. The Brewers made a defensive substitution by moving Martin Prado from first base to third base and bringing in Dan Murphy. With Evan Meek on the mound, the Phillies got a leadoff single. After Freddie Freeman struck out, Ben Francisco bounced a routine ground ball to Martin Prado who booted it to put two runners on with one out. Prado hung his head in shame as he was moved to third base to solidify the defense. The next play was the play of the game. On a 1-1 pitch, Wilin Rosario caught Jamey Carroll trying to take a big secondary lead and picked him off second. The shock of the situation helped Evan Meek to capitalize on the situation and strike out yesterday's hero Jerry Sands to preserve the victory.
Result: Brewers 3, Phillies 2 - WP: Delcarmen (1-1), LP: Narveson (3-1), S: Meek (5)
Game MVP: Wilin Rosario 1-4, CS
Rosario was the hero of the game. When it looked like Meek was going to struggle closing out the first place Phillies, Rosario responded with the best defensive play of the season. His pickoff of Jamey Carroll allowed Meek to settle down and ice the victory.
The Brewers entered another rubber match with a chance to win a series from a tough opponent. The Phillies were sending their unbeaten starter to the mound in Chris Narveson, so Ben Montgomery countered with Milwaukee opening day starter Zach Phillips.
The fireworks started early in this one when the Brewers loaded the bases with one out, but all they could manage was a Chris Coghlan RBI sacrifice fly. The Phillies struck back with back to back to back singled by Freeman, Francisco, and Sands to tie the game. The Phillies got a homerun from Bret Morel in the second inning and loaded the bases, but Phillips struck out Ben Francisco to leave them loaded. Trailing by one, Chris Getz and Alcides Escobar would team up for a run with a leadoff single and a near triple by Escobar. It took a great throw to get him at third base.
With the game tied at two in the bottom of the third, the Philadelphia third base coach made a key mistake holding Jerry Sands at third base on a Bret Morel single. He would end up being stranded there. Dee Gordon made his first appearance as a Brewer in the fifth inning. Pinch hitting for Zach Phillips; Gordon singled, stole second, went to third on a ground out, and scored on a Chris Getz sacrifice fly.
The 3-2 game remained that way until the great ninth inning drama. The Brewers made a defensive substitution by moving Martin Prado from first base to third base and bringing in Dan Murphy. With Evan Meek on the mound, the Phillies got a leadoff single. After Freddie Freeman struck out, Ben Francisco bounced a routine ground ball to Martin Prado who booted it to put two runners on with one out. Prado hung his head in shame as he was moved to third base to solidify the defense. The next play was the play of the game. On a 1-1 pitch, Wilin Rosario caught Jamey Carroll trying to take a big secondary lead and picked him off second. The shock of the situation helped Evan Meek to capitalize on the situation and strike out yesterday's hero Jerry Sands to preserve the victory.
Result: Brewers 3, Phillies 2 - WP: Delcarmen (1-1), LP: Narveson (3-1), S: Meek (5)
Game MVP: Wilin Rosario 1-4, CS
Rosario was the hero of the game. When it looked like Meek was going to struggle closing out the first place Phillies, Rosario responded with the best defensive play of the season. His pickoff of Jamey Carroll allowed Meek to settle down and ice the victory.
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Game 20: 4/22/11 -- [6-13] HOU: Morton (0-3, 4.43) @ [9-10] MIL: Jimenez (0-0, 10.80)
The Brewers returned home with a new confidence after they won a series against the first place Phillies. Waiting for them was a struggling last place Astros squad. These games tend to be dangerous for teams who are too confidant. Milwaukee manager Ben Montgomery opted to give Cesar Jimenez one more start in the major leagues. Jimenez had to know that if he pitched as poorly as he did last time, he may spend the rest of the season in AAA or get his walking papers.
Charlie Morton may have made the first mistake of the game in the first inning. With first base open after a Chris Coghlan double, he threw a fastball belt high to Dan Murphy. Murphy, who has been red hot lately, laced the ball to right field allowing Milwaukee and Jimenez to take an early lead. The game really didn't provide much offense until the Astros tied the game in the sixth on a Trayvon Robinson home run to lead off the inning.
In the seventh inning, Dan Murphy was in the middle of things again by providing a double off the base of the wall in right. After Victorino was retired, Martin Prado doubled into the gap on a ball that was just missed by centerfielder Trayvon Robinson. Steve Pearce would end up singling home Prado for the Brewer 3-1 lead. This would be the final margin of victory as Evan Meek would allow a base hit, but close the door on the Astros for the win.
Result: Brewers 3, Astros 1 - WP: Jimenez (1-1), LP: McClellan (2-1), S: Meek (6)
Game MVP: Cesar Jimenez 8 IP, 4 H, 1 ER, 1 BB, 12 K
With his back against the wall, Cesar Jimenez did his best impression of Randy Johnson. He set the tone for the start of the series by striking out twelve batters and allowing the entire bullpen sans Meek to rest. This was the longest start of the year for the Brewers and possibly the best.
The Brewers returned home with a new confidence after they won a series against the first place Phillies. Waiting for them was a struggling last place Astros squad. These games tend to be dangerous for teams who are too confidant. Milwaukee manager Ben Montgomery opted to give Cesar Jimenez one more start in the major leagues. Jimenez had to know that if he pitched as poorly as he did last time, he may spend the rest of the season in AAA or get his walking papers.
Charlie Morton may have made the first mistake of the game in the first inning. With first base open after a Chris Coghlan double, he threw a fastball belt high to Dan Murphy. Murphy, who has been red hot lately, laced the ball to right field allowing Milwaukee and Jimenez to take an early lead. The game really didn't provide much offense until the Astros tied the game in the sixth on a Trayvon Robinson home run to lead off the inning.
In the seventh inning, Dan Murphy was in the middle of things again by providing a double off the base of the wall in right. After Victorino was retired, Martin Prado doubled into the gap on a ball that was just missed by centerfielder Trayvon Robinson. Steve Pearce would end up singling home Prado for the Brewer 3-1 lead. This would be the final margin of victory as Evan Meek would allow a base hit, but close the door on the Astros for the win.
Result: Brewers 3, Astros 1 - WP: Jimenez (1-1), LP: McClellan (2-1), S: Meek (6)
Game MVP: Cesar Jimenez 8 IP, 4 H, 1 ER, 1 BB, 12 K
With his back against the wall, Cesar Jimenez did his best impression of Randy Johnson. He set the tone for the start of the series by striking out twelve batters and allowing the entire bullpen sans Meek to rest. This was the longest start of the year for the Brewers and possibly the best.
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Game 21: 4/23/11 -- [6-14] HOU: Richard (0-3, 9.53) @ [10-10] MIL: Resop (2-1, 1.85)
Some writers in the Milwaukee media predicted the Brewers would not see .500 again, but here they sit 10-10 and they get to send their best pitcher up against a struggling lineup. Clayton Richard has just been bad for Houston so this game looked to be one that the Brewers could set the tone for the game early.
Resop issued a walk and allowed a steal in the first inning, but he pitched out of the jam by striking out two Astro hitters. The Astros worked out of their own first inning jam when Alcides Escobar was thrown out trying to advance from second base on a fly out. In the top of the second, the Astros led off with a single and a double, but the third base coach stopped the runners with no one out. Chris Resop then proceeded to strike out Durango and Barney to bring up the pitcher and then get him to pop it up to Prado to end the inning.
With the game tied 0-0, the Brewers would be set to be the team to finally break through. In the bottom of the third the Brewers broke loose. Coghlan, Escobar, Victorino, Prado, Cunningham, and Pearce all had hits which led to Milwaukee scoring seven runs on starter Clayton Richard. The fourth inning brought a new pitcher but the same results. Aaron Cunningham and Wilin Rosario both homered as four batters batted twice in the inning. Starting pitcher Chris Resop even got into the action with a triple and a walk. The Brewers left the fourth inning with a 15-0 lead. Both teams would rally once more and the game would end 16-2.
Result: Brewers 16, Astros 2 - WP: Resop (3-1), LP: Richard (0-4)
Game MVP: Aaron Cunningham 3-4, 2 2B, HR, 3 R, 5 RBI
Cunningham hasn't had much playing time this year, but he was right in the middle of the game when the flood gates opened on the Brewer offense. This was one of the finer offensive performances of the year with eight total bases and five RBI.
Some writers in the Milwaukee media predicted the Brewers would not see .500 again, but here they sit 10-10 and they get to send their best pitcher up against a struggling lineup. Clayton Richard has just been bad for Houston so this game looked to be one that the Brewers could set the tone for the game early.
Resop issued a walk and allowed a steal in the first inning, but he pitched out of the jam by striking out two Astro hitters. The Astros worked out of their own first inning jam when Alcides Escobar was thrown out trying to advance from second base on a fly out. In the top of the second, the Astros led off with a single and a double, but the third base coach stopped the runners with no one out. Chris Resop then proceeded to strike out Durango and Barney to bring up the pitcher and then get him to pop it up to Prado to end the inning.
With the game tied 0-0, the Brewers would be set to be the team to finally break through. In the bottom of the third the Brewers broke loose. Coghlan, Escobar, Victorino, Prado, Cunningham, and Pearce all had hits which led to Milwaukee scoring seven runs on starter Clayton Richard. The fourth inning brought a new pitcher but the same results. Aaron Cunningham and Wilin Rosario both homered as four batters batted twice in the inning. Starting pitcher Chris Resop even got into the action with a triple and a walk. The Brewers left the fourth inning with a 15-0 lead. Both teams would rally once more and the game would end 16-2.
Result: Brewers 16, Astros 2 - WP: Resop (3-1), LP: Richard (0-4)
Game MVP: Aaron Cunningham 3-4, 2 2B, HR, 3 R, 5 RBI
Cunningham hasn't had much playing time this year, but he was right in the middle of the game when the flood gates opened on the Brewer offense. This was one of the finer offensive performances of the year with eight total bases and five RBI.
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Game 22: 4/24/11 -- [6-15] HOU: Saunders (1-1, 3.81) @ [11-10] MIL: Estrada (0-0, 1.86)
The Brewers came into Sunday afternoon with a shot at their first sweep of the season, but to do that they would have to beat Houston's best pitcher: Joe Saunders. Milwaukee would send Marco Estrada to the mound. Estrada pitched superbly in his first start of the season against Washington.
The Astros looked to get on the board first against Estrada. With two guys on and two guys out, Matt Davidson singled to left field where Aaron Cunningham fielded the ball and sent a strike to Wilin Rosario who blocked the plate and tagged out Andy LaRoche trying to score. In the bottom of the inning Chris Coghlan, Alcides Escobar, and Martin Prado led off the inning with back to back to back singles. Saunders would retire Victorino and Cunningham, but then struggle through a walk, and error, and two more singles to give up five runs and go into the second in a 5-0 hole.
The Astros would get a run on a James Loney sacrifice fly. The Brewers added their sixth run off Saunders on an Alcides Escobar solo home run. A single, double, and Chris Getz error allowed the Astros to pull within three runs. The game remained 6-3 into the eighth inning. The Brewers would find a way to score three more runs capped off by Martin Prado's first home run of the year. The Astros would get two guys on in the ninth, but they would fail to score off of Javier Lopez.
Result: Brewers 9, Astros 3 - WP: Estrada (1-0), LP: Saunders (1-2), S: Lopez (2)
Game MVP: Martin Prado 4-5, 2B, HR, 2 R, 3 RBI
A frequent visitor to the game MVP section, Martin Prado provided much of the offense in the Brewers first sweep game. The versatile Prado has been electric against left-handed pitching this year. His bat and glove have been a key part of Milwaukee's success.
The Brewers came into Sunday afternoon with a shot at their first sweep of the season, but to do that they would have to beat Houston's best pitcher: Joe Saunders. Milwaukee would send Marco Estrada to the mound. Estrada pitched superbly in his first start of the season against Washington.
The Astros looked to get on the board first against Estrada. With two guys on and two guys out, Matt Davidson singled to left field where Aaron Cunningham fielded the ball and sent a strike to Wilin Rosario who blocked the plate and tagged out Andy LaRoche trying to score. In the bottom of the inning Chris Coghlan, Alcides Escobar, and Martin Prado led off the inning with back to back to back singles. Saunders would retire Victorino and Cunningham, but then struggle through a walk, and error, and two more singles to give up five runs and go into the second in a 5-0 hole.
The Astros would get a run on a James Loney sacrifice fly. The Brewers added their sixth run off Saunders on an Alcides Escobar solo home run. A single, double, and Chris Getz error allowed the Astros to pull within three runs. The game remained 6-3 into the eighth inning. The Brewers would find a way to score three more runs capped off by Martin Prado's first home run of the year. The Astros would get two guys on in the ninth, but they would fail to score off of Javier Lopez.
Result: Brewers 9, Astros 3 - WP: Estrada (1-0), LP: Saunders (1-2), S: Lopez (2)
Game MVP: Martin Prado 4-5, 2B, HR, 2 R, 3 RBI
A frequent visitor to the game MVP section, Martin Prado provided much of the offense in the Brewers first sweep game. The versatile Prado has been electric against left-handed pitching this year. His bat and glove have been a key part of Milwaukee's success.
