Brewers Continue to Piss Off Cardinals

Still steaming over getting swept by the Brewers at home last month, the Cardinals were given another reason to hate Milwaukee Tuesday night. With the Brewers comfortably ahead 5-0 heading into the 9th, the Crew decided to tack on another seven runs for good measure, in a 12-0 victory against St. Louis.

Talk about adding insult to injury. St. Louis came into Tuesday's game 3 1/2 games behind the Brewers for the Wild Card spot, and this two game series is their only chance to take down the Brewers head on the rest of the way. I was hoping for, if nothing else, a split of these two games to keep the lead intact. But after game one, it's clear the Brewers are on a mission to kick the Cards while they're down, and eliminate them from their rear-view mirrow as they continue their quest for the playoffs.

In recent memory, the Brewers have been notorious for choking in August, if they were even considered good enough to be contenders come August. But this August has been different, this team has been different, and this is not a victory you would have seen from the Milwaukee Brewers one year ago. And I love it.

Leading the way tonight was Ben Sheets, looking to shut up the critics who've been saying he's not pitching like his usual self. Sheets gave up five hits in six innings of work, and struck out four in the process as he improved his record to 12-7.

Even though more than half of the Brewers runs came in the 9th inning, the offense was effective all night long. Ryan Braun went 3 for 5 with a HR, and Bill Hall added a pinch hit homer as well. Prince Fielder had a good night with a 3 for 6 effort, and Jason Kendall had a bases clearing triple to add to his resume. These are the kind of things I enjoy typing for you, especially when it comes against a division rival, and our main competition for the Wild Card.

So, I wanted the split, and my wish came true. But being 5 1/2 games up on the Wild Card would look pretty attractive, so let's say we go for that Wednesday night.

Box Score.

TBC's Player of the Game: Ben Sheets

(AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)