Milwaukee Brewers in 250 Words or Less 8/6/11

The Milwaukee Brewers finally figured out a way to inflate their dismal road record-fatten up against what amounts to a Triple-A team in the likes of the Houston Astros.

It looked like it was going to be another rout when first baseman Prince Fielder got the Crew on the board in the first inning with a mammoth 3-run homer off the right field foul pole that was reminiscent of Richie Sexson’s shot up the centerfield flag pole years ago at Minute Maid Park.  The Brewers got to Houston starter Brett Myers again in the 3rd inning when Ryan Braun and Fielder singled, Yuni Betancourt doubled home Braun and Fielder scored on a fielder’s choice by Felipe Lopez.  But then Milwaukee left-hander Chris Narveson served up home runs to Carlos Lee and rookie outfielder J.D. Martinez to allow the Astros to close the game to 5-4.

Even so, the Astros simply aren’t enough of a team to challenge anyone at this point as the Brewers tacked on an insurance run in the 6th and another in the 9th on catcher Jonathan Lucroy’s 8th home run of the season.  Closer John Axford experienced some adversity in the 9th when Houston countered with a solo HR by Clint Barmes.  The game ended on a wacky play when Houston’s J.B. Shuck hit a liner off Axford’s foot.  Axford was able to track down the ball but threw wildly past first base.  Shuck inexplicably tried to make it to 3rd base and was thrown out by Nyjer Morgan backing up the play from right field.

The Brewers may have paid a price for the win as Corey Hart left the game with a ‘left hand contusion’ after being struck in the 7th with a pitch from ‘Stro’s reliever David Carpenter.  Third baseman Casey McGehee also looked to be limping off the field after the game’s final play.

Pocket Doppler Player of the Game:  Fielder, who reached base 5 times and was only a triple short of the cycle.

The Brewers will look for another sweep tomorrow as the series concludes with Milwaukee’s Zach Grienke facing Houston right hander Bud Norris.

 

Tags: 250 Words, Chris Narveson, Corey Hart, Jonathan Lucroy, Milwaukee Brewers, Nyjer Morgan, Prince Fielder