Give the injured Ben Sheets credit for starting Saturday afternoon’s critical game against the Cubs (likely his last ever in a Brewers’ uniform). Just don’t look at his final line. The All Star starter is probably done for 2008, but his shaky start made it all the more hard for the Crew to reach the “Promised Land.” He gave up a 2-run blast to backup first baseman Daryle Ward in the 1st, and two more on a Mike Fontenot single in the 3rd. Mark DiFelice, Dave Bush, and Manny Parra pitched 5.2 solid, scoreless innings that set the stage for a Brewers’ rally that just fell short. In the 8th, down 4-1, the Crew rallied to score 2 runs and load the bases with 1 out for J.J. Hardy, who chopped out into a force play at home plate. Then Corey Hart, the struggling outfielder who did manage to collect a big hit the night before, could not keep the magic going, as he grounded out harmlessly. Salomon Torres was pounded by Kosuke Fukudome, the light-hitting Cubs’ outfielder who hit a two-run home run to put the game out of reach. Kerry Wood closed the door in the ninth. With a Mets’ 2-0 win, the Brewers found themselves tied for the Wild Card lead with one to play, setting up perhaps the most important game in club history. A win guarantees at least a one game playoff with the Mets, but a loss could very likely shatter the season.
This one looked great in the first inning, and much less good in the third. Ben Sheets had gone a mere 2 innings when he exited with right forearm tightness, and this put tremendous pressure on the oft-criticized Milwaukee bullpen as well as new manager, Dale Sveum, to hold on for the last 7 innings against the deadly Chicago lineup. They did. In perhaps their greatest collective performance of 2008, seven relievers combined to throw 7 one-run, 5 hit (all singles) innings and seal a huge 6-2 victory on Wednesday night at Wrigley. Prince Fielder ripped a double down the right field line off Jason Marquis in the first to unload the bases and put his club up 3-0. Sheets yielded a home-run to Cubs’ third baseman Aramis Ramirez, and went down with an injury he probably received while taking a swing in the top of the third. Enter Mark DiFelice, who hurled 2 scoreless. Then new acquisition Todd Coffey for the 5th, Carlos Villanueva for 2/3 of the 6th, and Mitch Stetter to retire Jim Edmonds for the final out of that inning. J.J. Hardy hit an RBI double in the 7th, and Corey Hart lined a single to left that scored a pair of Brewers and put his club up a commanding 6-1. Even Eric Gagne pitched in, throwing a flawless 7th inning. Guillermo Mota did give up a single and a walk, but got through the 8th unscathed. In the 9th, Salomon Torres struggled, but should have gotten out of it without a run scoring, but Prince Fielder, who had otherwise had a spectacular night, failed to field a low throw from Ray Durham that would have completed a game-ending double play. A run scored on the play, but Torres came right back to retire pinch-hitter Daryle Ward to wrap it up.
Offensive MVP: Prince Fielder (3-4/1R/22B/3RBI/1BB/0K)
Pitching MVP: Mark DiFelice (Win-1st), Todd Coffey, Carlos Villanueva, Mitch Stetter, Eric Gagne, Guillermo Mota, Salomon Torres (7IP/5H/1ER/3BB/6SO/0HR)
Alex’s Take:
The offense seems to be clicking again, Prince Fielder is crushing nearly everything he sees, and the bullpen turned in a great (not just good, but great) performance! This happened against the Chicago Cubs of all teams! Dale Sveum, though I don’t know if it was something he said or just his calm demeanor, really managed his pen well tonight, in a game that the Cubs could’ve easily charged back against the Achilles’ heel of this 2008 Milwaukee team. The key to this series is obviously the rubber match tomorrow, and a tough match up it is. Dave Bush will be pitted against Rich Harden, a spectacular pitcher who dominated the Crew the last time he faced them. The offense will probably need 5 runs or more to win tomorrow’s critical game, but the good news is, it seems like they are capable of doing it now.
The Milwaukee Brewers scored seven runs and beat the Toronto Blue Jays 7-0 on Tuesday night. All seven of the Brewers runs came via the home run ball as they hit five home runs in the shut out. I have to wonder if this will get the Brewers bats rolling and they can start another nice winning streak.
Ryan Braun hit two home runs and finished the game with three rbi. Russell Branyan had one home run and two rbi in the game. Prince Fielder and Craig Counsell both had solo home runs as well in the game for the Brewers.
On the mound it was Manny Parra pitching seven innings to get the victory. Parra only gave up four hits while he improved his record to 6-2. Mark DiFelice came in and pitched the final two innings of the game to really help the bullpen out. I love seeing only one bullpen pitcher have to pitch in a game as all the others get some much needed rest.
