Aug. 1- SD 4 MIL 2
51-53, -5½ STL
Decent Performance by a Starter Blown
Mike Burns, recalled 4 days after being sent to Nashville to take Suppan's slot in the rotation gave the Crew something they haven't had much of, a good chance for the offense to win. 3 runs only in 5⅔ innings, the Brewer's offense should be able to make that stand up against one of the worst teams in the NL? Unfortunately not. Back to back homers by Fielder and McGehee in the 6th were all that the bats managed and thanks to Will Venable's 2nd homer against the Brewer's this series and Tony Gwynn, Jr.'s performance as the leadoff man he never was in Milwaukee, the Crew started August with a loss. Not a way to put a 9-17 July behind you. I feel happy for Gwynn, (who was 2-5 with a run and RBI last night), but it be nice if his .296 average would take a break from killing the Crew.
Showing posts with label McGehee. Show all posts
Showing posts with label McGehee. Show all posts
8.02.2009
7.30.2009
July 29- MIL 7 WSH 5
50-51, -4½ STL
McGehee PH Dinger Ends Skid
A beautiful note to Casey McGehee's night was added when I read the JSO article that said his 2 year old son, who has cerebal palsy, threw out the first pitch before the Brewer's 1st win after dropping 3 in a row to two of the worst teams in baseball. Down a run in the 6th, McGehee, hitting for Manny Parra, nailed a 2 run shot that put the Brewer's in front. The offensive outburst help make up for the "not so perfect" Parra, who toiled in the first 2 innings (giving up 4 and walking 2 runs in), but settled down to allow only 1 more run in his 6 inning stint.
After the game, McGehee spoke with tears about how inspirational it is to see his son living his life despite the horrible card he's been dealt. He also added how he asked Prince to walk his son out to the mound before the game because his son, like most kids, just likes Prince. There is something likeable about the big slugger that can be simultaneosly fear inspiring to an adult but sort of "teddy bear" like to a kid.
50-51, -4½ STL
McGehee PH Dinger Ends Skid
A beautiful note to Casey McGehee's night was added when I read the JSO article that said his 2 year old son, who has cerebal palsy, threw out the first pitch before the Brewer's 1st win after dropping 3 in a row to two of the worst teams in baseball. Down a run in the 6th, McGehee, hitting for Manny Parra, nailed a 2 run shot that put the Brewer's in front. The offensive outburst help make up for the "not so perfect" Parra, who toiled in the first 2 innings (giving up 4 and walking 2 runs in), but settled down to allow only 1 more run in his 6 inning stint.
After the game, McGehee spoke with tears about how inspirational it is to see his son living his life despite the horrible card he's been dealt. He also added how he asked Prince to walk his son out to the mound before the game because his son, like most kids, just likes Prince. There is something likeable about the big slugger that can be simultaneosly fear inspiring to an adult but sort of "teddy bear" like to a kid.
7.26.2009
July 25- MIL 4 ATL 0
49-48 2½ back STL
Really Need to Get Some Pitching
With the odds of the Brewer's acquiring Roy Haliday slim, the fans should be damn thankful the Crew has a starter with as bright a future at Yovanni. I don't know where this team would be without him. However, it makes me also wonder how good they could be with just 1 more good arm. Hell, now that McClung is on the DL, they also have a bullpen that looks much worse than it did 2 months ago. Amazing what two arms on the DL and a pitcher like Villanueva falling apart (he took his 7th loss yesterday) can do to a team. Plus, remember when David Riske was going to be part of the bullpen. And what about Chris Capuano, how nice would it be to have him now?
As for the game, it was ALL Gallardo. 7⅓ innings, 4 hits, 4 walks, 6 Ks and a 2-3 day at the plate in which he got the scoring going with a single in the 5th. I guess it was a good day for the offense to fall asleep against Tommy Hanson. Casey McGehee's pinch hit RBI was a nice AB for the Crew as well considering how horrible the bench has been this season.
Once again, I'm going to throw some Kew-Dohs at my man professional hitter Craig Counsell who was 2-4 with an RBI in his new spot, number 2 behind Lopez. Counsell is now batting .299 at age 38 and outperforming all other position players his age. Great article by Tom Haudricourt this Sunday comparing Counsell to guys like Jason Giambi, Ken Griffey, Jim Thome or Gary Sheffield who are either playing poorly or benefitting from DHing or a light work load, not the daily grind that Counsell has had being an everyday infielder.
49-48 2½ back STL
Really Need to Get Some Pitching
With the odds of the Brewer's acquiring Roy Haliday slim, the fans should be damn thankful the Crew has a starter with as bright a future at Yovanni. I don't know where this team would be without him. However, it makes me also wonder how good they could be with just 1 more good arm. Hell, now that McClung is on the DL, they also have a bullpen that looks much worse than it did 2 months ago. Amazing what two arms on the DL and a pitcher like Villanueva falling apart (he took his 7th loss yesterday) can do to a team. Plus, remember when David Riske was going to be part of the bullpen. And what about Chris Capuano, how nice would it be to have him now?
As for the game, it was ALL Gallardo. 7⅓ innings, 4 hits, 4 walks, 6 Ks and a 2-3 day at the plate in which he got the scoring going with a single in the 5th. I guess it was a good day for the offense to fall asleep against Tommy Hanson. Casey McGehee's pinch hit RBI was a nice AB for the Crew as well considering how horrible the bench has been this season.
Once again, I'm going to throw some Kew-Dohs at my man professional hitter Craig Counsell who was 2-4 with an RBI in his new spot, number 2 behind Lopez. Counsell is now batting .299 at age 38 and outperforming all other position players his age. Great article by Tom Haudricourt this Sunday comparing Counsell to guys like Jason Giambi, Ken Griffey, Jim Thome or Gary Sheffield who are either playing poorly or benefitting from DHing or a light work load, not the daily grind that Counsell has had being an everyday infielder.
July 22- PIT 8 MIL 7
48-47 -2 on STL
Pittsburgh Figuring Out Crew
For a long time, the Pirates could do nothing right against the Crew. Now, thanks to Jeff Suppan serving up 4 taters in 3⅓ inlcluding 2 to Ryan Doumit, the Pirates were able to take 2 of 3 from the Brewers and send the Crew back to Miller with a 3-4 road trip result.
The offense did try to overcome Suppan's start with a good offensive day. Ryan Braun brought 2 in with a dinger in the 1st and 3 more in 5th with a bases loaded, 3 run double in the 5th. That 5th also contained a Casey McGehee 2 run shot that chased Pat Maholm from the game.
All that, plus a Bill Hall RBI, gave the Crew a somewhat comfortable 7-5 lead until Seth McClung surrendured 2 in the bottom of the 5th which set up Brandon Moss' leadoff homer in the 9th off Mitch Stetter. Moss was batting .250 with 0 home runs off lefty's coming into the game, however Stetter fell behind a let one get over the plate to give 21,000 in Pittsburgh something to cheer about.
48-47 -2 on STL
Pittsburgh Figuring Out Crew
For a long time, the Pirates could do nothing right against the Crew. Now, thanks to Jeff Suppan serving up 4 taters in 3⅓ inlcluding 2 to Ryan Doumit, the Pirates were able to take 2 of 3 from the Brewers and send the Crew back to Miller with a 3-4 road trip result.
The offense did try to overcome Suppan's start with a good offensive day. Ryan Braun brought 2 in with a dinger in the 1st and 3 more in 5th with a bases loaded, 3 run double in the 5th. That 5th also contained a Casey McGehee 2 run shot that chased Pat Maholm from the game.
All that, plus a Bill Hall RBI, gave the Crew a somewhat comfortable 7-5 lead until Seth McClung surrendured 2 in the bottom of the 5th which set up Brandon Moss' leadoff homer in the 9th off Mitch Stetter. Moss was batting .250 with 0 home runs off lefty's coming into the game, however Stetter fell behind a let one get over the plate to give 21,000 in Pittsburgh something to cheer about.
7.20.2009
June 29- MIL 10 NYM 6
41-35 +1.0 on STL
McGehee Get's Redemption
Playing 3B tonight, Casey McGehee committed an error in the top of the 6th that nearly ruined yet another ESPN telecast of a Brewer game. Instead of using two hands to end the inning, McGehee's drop opened the door for two Met's run and pulled them to within a run of the Crew's lead.
The lead was built on a J.J. Hardy tater (part of his 4-4 night) and a Braden Looper RBI off New York starter Fernando Nieve, who has pretty good numbers to go along with his 3-1 record. The error by McGehee could have spoiled Loopers good start considering the potency of the Met's offense, but in the bottom half of the 6th, with 2 outs and a 2-2 count, McGehee slammed a fastball from Brian Stokes out of Miller for his first career grand slam. McGehee's season has been all about redemption after being put out to pasture by the Cubs after a good season for Iowa in 2008, but the micro-cosm of his goat to god in the 6th is what I love about baseball. Watching the game at work, I loved seeing how he was still pissed about the error in the dugout AFTER hitting the dinger. Prince had to remind him to go out for the standing O. I can really understand that feeling. Yes, you've put your team up by 5, but you still want to yell into your helmet (probably protecting viewers on the dugout cam from language) about that ball you should have caught earlier.
The Crew need most of those runs, including clutch RBI by Hall and Kendall because Carlos Villanueva couldn't finish things off in the 9th. Given a 7 run lead to work with, he only retired one batter, gave up 5 hits, 3 runs and got nailed for a 2 run dinger off the bat of Gary Sheffield, who I'm glad to see still get's booed. Ken Macha had to bring in Trevor Hoffman to finish things off for his 18th save, which was probably his easiest. One pitch to Brian Schneider that Hardy turned into a 6-3 DP.
I was wearing my Gemutlichkeit hat for this game, which seems to have a higher rate of success than some of my other hats, so I think I'll stick with it.
41-35 +1.0 on STL
McGehee Get's Redemption
Playing 3B tonight, Casey McGehee committed an error in the top of the 6th that nearly ruined yet another ESPN telecast of a Brewer game. Instead of using two hands to end the inning, McGehee's drop opened the door for two Met's run and pulled them to within a run of the Crew's lead.
The lead was built on a J.J. Hardy tater (part of his 4-4 night) and a Braden Looper RBI off New York starter Fernando Nieve, who has pretty good numbers to go along with his 3-1 record. The error by McGehee could have spoiled Loopers good start considering the potency of the Met's offense, but in the bottom half of the 6th, with 2 outs and a 2-2 count, McGehee slammed a fastball from Brian Stokes out of Miller for his first career grand slam. McGehee's season has been all about redemption after being put out to pasture by the Cubs after a good season for Iowa in 2008, but the micro-cosm of his goat to god in the 6th is what I love about baseball. Watching the game at work, I loved seeing how he was still pissed about the error in the dugout AFTER hitting the dinger. Prince had to remind him to go out for the standing O. I can really understand that feeling. Yes, you've put your team up by 5, but you still want to yell into your helmet (probably protecting viewers on the dugout cam from language) about that ball you should have caught earlier.
The Crew need most of those runs, including clutch RBI by Hall and Kendall because Carlos Villanueva couldn't finish things off in the 9th. Given a 7 run lead to work with, he only retired one batter, gave up 5 hits, 3 runs and got nailed for a 2 run dinger off the bat of Gary Sheffield, who I'm glad to see still get's booed. Ken Macha had to bring in Trevor Hoffman to finish things off for his 18th save, which was probably his easiest. One pitch to Brian Schneider that Hardy turned into a 6-3 DP.
I was wearing my Gemutlichkeit hat for this game, which seems to have a higher rate of success than some of my other hats, so I think I'll stick with it.
June 27- MIL 7 SF 6
40-34 Even w/ STL
Comeback saves Hoffman's 9th
The Crew spent most of the night battling back in this game that occurred while I was recovering from a 100 mile ride in Logan. Down 2 in the 9th and facing Giants closer Brian Wilson, Craig Counsell singled with 1 down, Gamel walked and Hart scored Counsell on a single to center. J.J. Hardy's RBI tied things up and Prince finished the game with a double to right.
The game was tied in the 9th, but Trevor Hoffman gave up 3 consecutive singles and 2 sac flys to give SF the lead. That tie was earned on back-to-back taters in the 6th by Fielder and Casey McGehee. Those runs helped get Seth McClung off the hook, who did a decent job in his first start of the season: 3 runs in 4 innings. Chris Smith, Todd Coffey and Mitch Stetter combined for 4 innings of 1 run ball with 0 walks.
Proving again why a center fielder makes a difference, Mike Cameron robbed Nate Schierholtz of a home run in the 7th, which proves glove work can be a tradeoff for a .243 hitter. It's too bad though that his offense has dropped off, because early in the season, he really looked like he would put up some good offensive numbers this season.
40-34 Even w/ STL
Comeback saves Hoffman's 9th
The Crew spent most of the night battling back in this game that occurred while I was recovering from a 100 mile ride in Logan. Down 2 in the 9th and facing Giants closer Brian Wilson, Craig Counsell singled with 1 down, Gamel walked and Hart scored Counsell on a single to center. J.J. Hardy's RBI tied things up and Prince finished the game with a double to right.
The game was tied in the 9th, but Trevor Hoffman gave up 3 consecutive singles and 2 sac flys to give SF the lead. That tie was earned on back-to-back taters in the 6th by Fielder and Casey McGehee. Those runs helped get Seth McClung off the hook, who did a decent job in his first start of the season: 3 runs in 4 innings. Chris Smith, Todd Coffey and Mitch Stetter combined for 4 innings of 1 run ball with 0 walks.
Proving again why a center fielder makes a difference, Mike Cameron robbed Nate Schierholtz of a home run in the 7th, which proves glove work can be a tradeoff for a .243 hitter. It's too bad though that his offense has dropped off, because early in the season, he really looked like he would put up some good offensive numbers this season.
7.19.2009
June 25- MIN 6 MIL 4
38-34 -1.0 STL
Thank God They're Done with Interleague
I listened to this game while doing some prep work for the MS Ride in Logan over the weekend. I'll admit, once the Twins tacked two more runs to their lead in the 7th, I kind of gave up thinking the Crew could pull this one out. Once Mitch Stetter's consecutive “Out by Strikeout” streak ended at 15 with a Jason Kuble fly-out, Lexi and I headed to my old dwelling to move my mattress into storage. As far as anyone can tell, Stetter's feat may be a record, although it surprises me that Elias sports bureau couldn't figure this out.
Mike Burns, the 30 year old righty called up from Nashville for the start looked decent through 3, but made some mistakes once the Twins hitters got a second look at him. Burns couldn't play a soft grounder into a DP during the 4th, which would have erased a leadoff walk. Then, after Justin Morneau's RBI double and Jason Kuble's single, Burns walked in another run and tallied 31 pitches in the inning. He was constantly working from behind and finished with a line of 5.2 innings, 4 runs, 6 hits and 3 walks.
McGehee and Prince chipped in with home runs in the 6th and Braun hit one in the 8th, but it wasn't enough to pull out a win in the final interleague contest of the season. The Crew ended up 5-10 against AL teams and 1-5 against the Twins... disgraceful considering Minnesota is one of the worst road teams out there.
38-34 -1.0 STL
Thank God They're Done with Interleague
I listened to this game while doing some prep work for the MS Ride in Logan over the weekend. I'll admit, once the Twins tacked two more runs to their lead in the 7th, I kind of gave up thinking the Crew could pull this one out. Once Mitch Stetter's consecutive “Out by Strikeout” streak ended at 15 with a Jason Kuble fly-out, Lexi and I headed to my old dwelling to move my mattress into storage. As far as anyone can tell, Stetter's feat may be a record, although it surprises me that Elias sports bureau couldn't figure this out.
Mike Burns, the 30 year old righty called up from Nashville for the start looked decent through 3, but made some mistakes once the Twins hitters got a second look at him. Burns couldn't play a soft grounder into a DP during the 4th, which would have erased a leadoff walk. Then, after Justin Morneau's RBI double and Jason Kuble's single, Burns walked in another run and tallied 31 pitches in the inning. He was constantly working from behind and finished with a line of 5.2 innings, 4 runs, 6 hits and 3 walks.
McGehee and Prince chipped in with home runs in the 6th and Braun hit one in the 8th, but it wasn't enough to pull out a win in the final interleague contest of the season. The Crew ended up 5-10 against AL teams and 1-5 against the Twins... disgraceful considering Minnesota is one of the worst road teams out there.
6.24.2009
June 24- MIN 7 MIL 3
37-33 -2.0 on STL
Twinkies Take Advantage of Mistakes at Miller
It was not the way to start the homestand. A team that was 11-21 on the road jumps over some early errors to give the Crew it's 4th straight loss. Jeff Suppan got charged with 7 runs, but only 4 were earned. A 1st inning wild pitch that kept the inning alive and gave the Twins 3 runs off the bat was not the least of the Brewer's charity. There was also a Casey McGehee drop on a throw from Cameron that turned a Carlos Gomez single into a man on second that scored on a following single in the 2nd. Then in the 3rd, J.J. misplays a DP ball, safe all around and eventually 3 more runs.
The offense couldn't cash anything in off of Nelson Liriano other than a 2 run single by Cameron and an RBI double for McGehee. Liriano was 2-8 coming into the game, but was able to foil the Brewers long enough to qualify for the win. The Crew left 12 men on base and missed opportunities early, stranding 2 in each of the first 5 innings.
Some mystery was solved regarding the starters for the remainder of the week. With Parra in Nashville (where he K'ed Manny Ramirez in a rehab start on Tuesday) and Bush on the D.L., Mike Burns will start in Bush's spot Thursday and Seth McClung will get another chance in the rotation, taking the bump on Saturday for Parra's spot.
37-33 -2.0 on STL
Twinkies Take Advantage of Mistakes at Miller
It was not the way to start the homestand. A team that was 11-21 on the road jumps over some early errors to give the Crew it's 4th straight loss. Jeff Suppan got charged with 7 runs, but only 4 were earned. A 1st inning wild pitch that kept the inning alive and gave the Twins 3 runs off the bat was not the least of the Brewer's charity. There was also a Casey McGehee drop on a throw from Cameron that turned a Carlos Gomez single into a man on second that scored on a following single in the 2nd. Then in the 3rd, J.J. misplays a DP ball, safe all around and eventually 3 more runs.
The offense couldn't cash anything in off of Nelson Liriano other than a 2 run single by Cameron and an RBI double for McGehee. Liriano was 2-8 coming into the game, but was able to foil the Brewers long enough to qualify for the win. The Crew left 12 men on base and missed opportunities early, stranding 2 in each of the first 5 innings.
Some mystery was solved regarding the starters for the remainder of the week. With Parra in Nashville (where he K'ed Manny Ramirez in a rehab start on Tuesday) and Bush on the D.L., Mike Burns will start in Bush's spot Thursday and Seth McClung will get another chance in the rotation, taking the bump on Saturday for Parra's spot.
6.23.2009
June 21- DET 3 MIL 2
37-32 -1.5 STL
Verlander Still Has Crew's Number
It wasn't a no-hitter this time, but Detroit pitcher Justin Verlander finished off the Tigers 3 game sweep at Comerica with 7.2 innings in which he allowed 2 earned on 5 hits with 8 strikeouts. More importantly, Verlander was able to keep Fielder and Braun at an ofer, only letting Casey McGehee and Craig Counsell beating him for solo shots.
Other than spoiling a road trip that started 3-0, the loss spoiled a solid outing by Yovanni. In 7 innings, he gave up 3 and struckout 8. More importantly, I guess, he gave some rest to the bullpen, which only used Villy in the game. Hopefully, the day off on Monday gives ALL the arms a chance to get ready for the Twins.
Speaking of rest. It was announced on Monday that Dave Bush will skip his next start after he complained of fatigue after his last start. With the prospect of Parra staying in Nashville beyond the weekend, the Crew will have to figure something out, probably today, for a 5th starter.
June 20- DET 9 MIL 5
37-31 -0.5 STL
Shaving the Beard Doesn't Help Bush
Dave Bush improved SLIGHTLY over his last start. This time, he allowed only 5 runs before being lifted in the 4th as the Crew finally relinquished first place in the division. Alfredo Figaro made his major league debut and allowed 8 hits in 5 innings, but also struck out 7 and kept the Crew 1-8 with RISP. The 2 runs against a first timer and 2-14 with runners in scoring position in the game overall was embarrassing enough. Braun was 4-5 with his 15th home run, and Mat Gamel, now settling into his role as the everyday third basemen, was 2-3 with a couple of walks.
June 19- DET 10 MIL 4
37-30 +0.5 STL
Rain Shortens a Disappointing Night in Detroit
A Prince Fielder 3 run tater staked Braden Looper to an early lead, but he wasted no time in frittering it away. Giving up 7 runs before a rain delay halted play in the 4th. The game resumed with Chris Narveson taking the bump and allowing 3 more in 2.2 innings before another rain delay ended the game for good.
Casey McGehee continued to be the hottest hitter on the squad in spite of his banged up knee and ankle. Batting 2nd and DHing, the Cubs castoff was 2-3 with a walk and a run scored and is now hitting .351.
37-32 -1.5 STL
Verlander Still Has Crew's Number
It wasn't a no-hitter this time, but Detroit pitcher Justin Verlander finished off the Tigers 3 game sweep at Comerica with 7.2 innings in which he allowed 2 earned on 5 hits with 8 strikeouts. More importantly, Verlander was able to keep Fielder and Braun at an ofer, only letting Casey McGehee and Craig Counsell beating him for solo shots.
Other than spoiling a road trip that started 3-0, the loss spoiled a solid outing by Yovanni. In 7 innings, he gave up 3 and struckout 8. More importantly, I guess, he gave some rest to the bullpen, which only used Villy in the game. Hopefully, the day off on Monday gives ALL the arms a chance to get ready for the Twins.
Speaking of rest. It was announced on Monday that Dave Bush will skip his next start after he complained of fatigue after his last start. With the prospect of Parra staying in Nashville beyond the weekend, the Crew will have to figure something out, probably today, for a 5th starter.
June 20- DET 9 MIL 5
37-31 -0.5 STL
Shaving the Beard Doesn't Help Bush
Dave Bush improved SLIGHTLY over his last start. This time, he allowed only 5 runs before being lifted in the 4th as the Crew finally relinquished first place in the division. Alfredo Figaro made his major league debut and allowed 8 hits in 5 innings, but also struck out 7 and kept the Crew 1-8 with RISP. The 2 runs against a first timer and 2-14 with runners in scoring position in the game overall was embarrassing enough. Braun was 4-5 with his 15th home run, and Mat Gamel, now settling into his role as the everyday third basemen, was 2-3 with a couple of walks.
June 19- DET 10 MIL 4
37-30 +0.5 STL
Rain Shortens a Disappointing Night in Detroit
A Prince Fielder 3 run tater staked Braden Looper to an early lead, but he wasted no time in frittering it away. Giving up 7 runs before a rain delay halted play in the 4th. The game resumed with Chris Narveson taking the bump and allowing 3 more in 2.2 innings before another rain delay ended the game for good.
Casey McGehee continued to be the hottest hitter on the squad in spite of his banged up knee and ankle. Batting 2nd and DHing, the Cubs castoff was 2-3 with a walk and a run scored and is now hitting .351.
6.16.2009
June 15- MIL 14 CLE 12
35-29 1 game up on STL
Hell of a Game for a National Audience
As one of two games being played in baseball Monday night, the Brewers were given the Monday night baseball slot as they opened up their road trip in Cleveland. By the time I tuned in, Dave Bush had already been chased after 3.1 innings, surrenduring 8 runs and 2 seperate leads, but the offense was hardly done in this game. In the 5th, Braun, who had already homered in the first, hit a 2 run triple and Fielder had a sac fly to whittle away at the 5 run lead that Cleveland starter Carl Pavano was given. Dude, when you can't make it work with Alyssa Milano, you deserve all the major league misfortune you have earned.
Things looked good in the 6th when a Craig Counsell sac fly pulled the Crew within 1 run, and I was feeling pretty good that the bats were going to take this one on their shoulders. Still trying to protect an overworked bullpen, Macha, understandably, left recent call up Chris Narveson in for the 6th, where he was unable to retire anyone and was charged with 3 of the 4 runs that Cleveland put on the board. Home runs in that inning by Travis Hafner and Mark DeRossa seemed to put the game out of reach, but in the 8th, the Crew took advantage of the Cleveland bully.
The bullpen trio of Luis Vizcaino, Matt Herges and Rafael Perez could not retire anyone. After the bases were loaded on walks, Braun delivered his 5 RBI of the night with an infield single then Fielder, against incoming pitcher and lefty Perez (who lefty's were batting over .300 against) belted the first pitch he saw for his first career grand slam. It was his 6th RBI of the night and an incredible punctuation that I got to enjoy twice. Once on the Uecker call and then again, a few seconds later on the ESPN telecast. I love it when the radio precedes the TV.
It's still just a W, but it's a great way to start a road trip. The sobering thought however is that Bush in 0-3 with an 8+ ERA in his last 5 starts. Still, feasting on weak pitching is just what this lineup needed and if Hardy comes out of his slump, which he showed signs of doing last night with a hit and a couple of well hit balls, perhaps this offense can carry the team for a bit.
June 14- CWS 5 MIL 4
34-29
Hoffman Comes Back to Earth
After battling back from a 2 run defecit, thanks to Corey Hart's first multi-home run game since last season, Trevor Hoffman gave up an RBI single to A.J. Pierzynski that broke a 4 run tie and sent the Crew to their 6th loss in 7th games. Starter Braden Looper worked 6 innings, giving up 4, but I'm really hoping that someone in the rotation can step up and get a 8 inning start here soon.
June 13- CWS 7 MIL 1
34-28
Parra Signs His Ticket to Nashville
It started all right. A sold out crowd at Miller, a national (although not really since the Yanks and Mets were on here, so I don't think it should be called a national audience) audience and Parra sets down the Sox 1-2-3 in the first. Then, before getting pulled in the 2nd, Parra gave up 6 runs and Jose Contreras, looking good after taking time to properly rehab injury. In fact, Corey Hart was the only Brewer who managed to hit Contreras in his 8 innings.
June 12- MIL 7 CWS 2
34-27
Suppan Showing Gritty Vet Leadership
As one of the biggest Suppan Critics, I'm going to be the first to recognize when he comes up big, and at a time when the starting rotation is struggling, his performance in spots like this could be looked back on and seens as keeping the Brewer's heads above water as they cling to this division lead. Pitching well through 6 innings, Macha (who admitted after the game he sides with pitchers when making PH decisions) left Suppan into hit with 2 on, 2 out in the bottom of the inning. His RBI single was part of a 3 run Brewer rally and a great way to start the series.
Casey McGehee, batting leadoff was 2-4 with 2 RBI and Corey Hart was 2-4 with 2R and 3 RBI with a game saving catch in the 6th that probably kept 2 runs from scoring. The production from Hart is great to see, especially considering the slumps in the rest of the lineup like Cameron, Hardy and Hall. Is it time we can FINALLY say that 2006 season was a HUGE fluke. I know other's have been saying that for a while, and in all fairness, he was 2-4 with an RBI, but considering the contract he was given, this is probably the biggest disappointment on the team... until Suppan gets on my bad side again.
35-29 1 game up on STL
Hell of a Game for a National Audience
As one of two games being played in baseball Monday night, the Brewers were given the Monday night baseball slot as they opened up their road trip in Cleveland. By the time I tuned in, Dave Bush had already been chased after 3.1 innings, surrenduring 8 runs and 2 seperate leads, but the offense was hardly done in this game. In the 5th, Braun, who had already homered in the first, hit a 2 run triple and Fielder had a sac fly to whittle away at the 5 run lead that Cleveland starter Carl Pavano was given. Dude, when you can't make it work with Alyssa Milano, you deserve all the major league misfortune you have earned.
Things looked good in the 6th when a Craig Counsell sac fly pulled the Crew within 1 run, and I was feeling pretty good that the bats were going to take this one on their shoulders. Still trying to protect an overworked bullpen, Macha, understandably, left recent call up Chris Narveson in for the 6th, where he was unable to retire anyone and was charged with 3 of the 4 runs that Cleveland put on the board. Home runs in that inning by Travis Hafner and Mark DeRossa seemed to put the game out of reach, but in the 8th, the Crew took advantage of the Cleveland bully.
The bullpen trio of Luis Vizcaino, Matt Herges and Rafael Perez could not retire anyone. After the bases were loaded on walks, Braun delivered his 5 RBI of the night with an infield single then Fielder, against incoming pitcher and lefty Perez (who lefty's were batting over .300 against) belted the first pitch he saw for his first career grand slam. It was his 6th RBI of the night and an incredible punctuation that I got to enjoy twice. Once on the Uecker call and then again, a few seconds later on the ESPN telecast. I love it when the radio precedes the TV.
It's still just a W, but it's a great way to start a road trip. The sobering thought however is that Bush in 0-3 with an 8+ ERA in his last 5 starts. Still, feasting on weak pitching is just what this lineup needed and if Hardy comes out of his slump, which he showed signs of doing last night with a hit and a couple of well hit balls, perhaps this offense can carry the team for a bit.
June 14- CWS 5 MIL 4
34-29
Hoffman Comes Back to Earth
After battling back from a 2 run defecit, thanks to Corey Hart's first multi-home run game since last season, Trevor Hoffman gave up an RBI single to A.J. Pierzynski that broke a 4 run tie and sent the Crew to their 6th loss in 7th games. Starter Braden Looper worked 6 innings, giving up 4, but I'm really hoping that someone in the rotation can step up and get a 8 inning start here soon.
June 13- CWS 7 MIL 1
34-28
Parra Signs His Ticket to Nashville
It started all right. A sold out crowd at Miller, a national (although not really since the Yanks and Mets were on here, so I don't think it should be called a national audience) audience and Parra sets down the Sox 1-2-3 in the first. Then, before getting pulled in the 2nd, Parra gave up 6 runs and Jose Contreras, looking good after taking time to properly rehab injury. In fact, Corey Hart was the only Brewer who managed to hit Contreras in his 8 innings.
June 12- MIL 7 CWS 2
34-27
Suppan Showing Gritty Vet Leadership
As one of the biggest Suppan Critics, I'm going to be the first to recognize when he comes up big, and at a time when the starting rotation is struggling, his performance in spots like this could be looked back on and seens as keeping the Brewer's heads above water as they cling to this division lead. Pitching well through 6 innings, Macha (who admitted after the game he sides with pitchers when making PH decisions) left Suppan into hit with 2 on, 2 out in the bottom of the inning. His RBI single was part of a 3 run Brewer rally and a great way to start the series.
Casey McGehee, batting leadoff was 2-4 with 2 RBI and Corey Hart was 2-4 with 2R and 3 RBI with a game saving catch in the 6th that probably kept 2 runs from scoring. The production from Hart is great to see, especially considering the slumps in the rest of the lineup like Cameron, Hardy and Hall. Is it time we can FINALLY say that 2006 season was a HUGE fluke. I know other's have been saying that for a while, and in all fairness, he was 2-4 with an RBI, but considering the contract he was given, this is probably the biggest disappointment on the team... until Suppan gets on my bad side again.
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