The Brewers are a pitching-first team. Last year, I couldn’t imagine ever saying it, but this series proved why that is true. The Brewers were sliding, but then Wolf, Gallardo, and Grienke pitched three strong outings, and completed the sweep of the Reds. During which, the bats came alive. This team has a good lineup, but isn’t a hitting first team, which is a good recipe for a deep playoff run.
Now on to the actual game. Grienke could have won the game yesterday with almost no help at all. Greinke was pitching a no-hitter through 4.2 IP, and only gave up two hits the whole day. During one stretch yesterday, all six outs in a row were strikeouts (it would have been consecutive strikeouts, but Betancourt had an error). Grienke had one rough inning, but he got out of it with just one run given up. Zack pitched strong into the seventh until he was lifted for Dillard, and eventually Saito who both had one-two-three innings. Saito’s performance was especially impressive given the fact that he got through his inning needing only five pitches. Saito’s cause was helped out by a spectacular diving play by Carlos Gomez. That is a great sign for Gomez, as he looks confident in the shoulder again. But the story of the day for the defensive side defiantly was Zack Grienke.
There was also an offensive explosion yesterday, particularly in the first two innings where the Brewers jumped out to a 7-0 lead. Top performers of the day include: Prince Fielder (), Ryan Braun (3/4) raised his average to .336 today leading the majors, Corey Hart (With a homer, double, and a single), Rickie Weeks (Double, 2-rbi single), Logan Schafer got his first MLB hit, but Carlos Gomez had the best day of all. Even though he only went ___ he had a homer, nearly had another, and a ____. Combine that with his defense, and there is no question on who should win Position Player of the Day.
Pitching Player of the Game: Zack Grienke (7.0 IP, 2H, 1ER, 10K)
Position Player of the Game: Carlos Gomez
The Brewers magic number is down to four.
Later today, the Blurb will begin its four part series to determine the order of the rotation vs. the Braves, and the Diamondbacks should they play either team at home in a five game series. The order in which I will be discussing each pitcher has in no way any determination on what the Blurb believes its role should be in the playoffs.
Blurb Schedule
Monday: Potential Playoff Rotation Part 1: Zack Grienke
Tuesday: Potential Playoff Rotation Part 2: Shaun Marcum
Wednesday: Potential Playoff Rotation Part 3: Yovanni Gallardo
Thursday: Potential Playoff Rotation Part 4: Randy Wolf
Friday: Week In Review/Brewer of the Week
Saturday and Sunday: No Blurb
Please comment, and GO BREWERS! Lets get another sweep!
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