Team Effort Gives Brewers Series Victory

The Brewers used a little bit of everything, and a little bit of everyone, in one of the more complete team victories you'll see this season. The pitching staff did well, the hitters got the job done, and Todd Coffey laid down another sacrifice bunt. Like I said, they went with a little bit of every thing, and their plan worked, as the Brewers beat the Cardinas 8-2 to ensure a series victory. With the win, the Crew now have one of the best records in baseball at 23-14 and have a 1 1/2 game lead in the NL Central. I don't know what got into this team lately, but I'm glad it's working (sidenote: I'm pretty sure it's Ken Macha).

The Crew used a four-run first inning to take the early lead in this one and then never looked back. J.J. Hardy had a two-run single with two outs, which was followed by the exact same thing from Jason Kendall. Manny Parra then took that lead and cruised with it until the 6th inning when he got into a bit of trouble, giving up two runs. Macha decided to let him finish the frame, and Parra was able to leave the game with 6 IP, 5 H, 2 ER, and 3 K. Our decision to trade for him recently in a fantasy league that Bear and I are in together is sure looking good after two really good starts from Manny this week (and right away I'm sorry I brought up my fantasy team, I know you could care less).

The Cardinals were within two at that point, but Prince Fielder took care of any concern with a three run bomb in the 7th inning (also on that fantasy team!.... sorry). Craig Counsell had an RBI ground rule double in the 8th, and Coffey and McClung were able to close out the game to allow the Brewers to once again untuck their shirts at Busch Stadium. 

The only real bad news out of today's contest was the wrist injury Rickie Weeks suffered during his first at-bat. After the game, Weeks didn't want to talk about the injury too much, but did reveal he's headed to Arizona to see a wrist specialist. The Brewers will likely get word sometime tomorrow about how serious the injury is, and how much time he'll need to miss, if any. It could be a tough injury for the Brewers during what is shaping up to be an incredible month for the Crew, but as they say, every rose has it's thorn.

We met as soul mates, on Parris Island.

Player of the Game: This really could go to anyone. Prince for the home run wouldn't be a bad choice, Kendall had a decent game, as did Craiggers. But I think I'm going to go pitching staff today and give it to Parra. Because he pitched well today, and I'm still pretty pumped about my trade this week.