May 21, 2013

Aoki’s heroics lift Brewers in the 10th

Former Japanese batting champion Norichika Aoki clubbed a pair of home runs yesterday, the second of which led the Milwaukee Brewers to a 4-3 come-from-behind victory in 10-innings.

Aoki also hit a solo home run in the fourth inning.  His only home run this season entering yesterday’s game was an inside-the-park homer back on April 10th.

AUDIO: Cubs manager Dale Sveum on losing with a pair of Aoki HR’s :11

Brewers starting pitcher Randy Wolf left after 7-innings with a 2-1 lead, but reliever Francisco Rodriguez coughed up a 2-run homer to Cubs pinch hitter Bryan LaHair. 

Trailing 3-2 in the bottom of the 8th, Corey Hart quickly got Rodriguez off the hook by doubling  home a run to tie the game at 3-3.

Aoki was mobbed by his teammates at home plate after hitting the game winner.  Both he and his translator received shaving cream pies in the face in a post game television interview. 

The Brewers took 2 of 3 in the series from the Cubs.  They continue their home stand with a weekend series against the San Diego Padres at Miller Park.

FVL product, Gulbransen drafted by Houston

Former Fox Valley Lutheran baseball standout Dan Gulbransen was the first

Dan Gulbransen

player selected on the 3rd and final day of the Major League Baseball First Year Player Draft.

Gulbransen went in round 16 to the Houston Astros.  He’s played the last three years collegiately at Jacksonville University.

AUDIO: Gulbransen says he’s happy to be drafted :19

Gulbransen hit .324 with 67 hits, 6 home runs and 33 RBI.  He led the Dolphins with 21 multiple-hit games.

Gulbransen currently ranks fifth on Jacksonville’s all-time list in walks (118), seventh in doubles (44) and eighth in hits (230).

Gulbransen is also one of 19 finalists for the “Fans Choice Award” presented by TD Ameritrade.  The “Fan’s Choice Award recognizes college baseball players who are positive role models both on and off the field. [Read more...]

Brewers battle Cubs to get out of last place

The Milwaukee Brewers return to action tonight at Miller Park.  They’ll host

Randy Wolf

the Chicago Cubs in a battle to get out of the NL Central basement. 

Both teams enter with 13-18 records, a full 7-games behind the front running St. Louis Cardinals.  Matt Garza (2-1, 2.67) pitches for the Cubs tonight.  Randy Wolf (2-3, 6.68) gets the start for the Brewers.

Tonight’s series opener marks the return to Miller Park by Dale Sveum, in his first year as the manager of the Cubs. 

The Brewers are 7-8 at home this season.  In 2011, they didn’t lose their 8th game until June 7.

 

Cardinals take 2 of 3 from Brewers

The St. Louis Cardinals don’t have Tony LaRussa as their manager and

Ron Roenicke

their top hitter from years past, Albert Pujols.  But the Cardinals looked just as solid as ever, rolling to a 9-3 win over the Milwaukee Brewers yesterday, grabbing 2 of 3 in the series.

St. Louis once again looked like a force to be reckoned with.  Randy Wolf surrendered 3-runs in 5-innings and was saddled with the loss.

AUDIO: Randy Wolf says the Cardinals lineup is solid :12

Lance Lynn pitched 2-hit ball into the 7th inning to win in just his third career start. [Read more...]