It wasn’t the prettiest win, but the Brewers will take it. Milwaukee had to hold on for a 4-3 win over the St. Louis Cardinals Wednesday at Miller Park. The victory gave the Brewers the series 2-1, their 6th straight series win at Miller Park.
All four of Milwaukee’s runs came in the first inning with the help of the Cardinals defense. St. Louis committed 3-errors and the Brewers had only 2-hits in the inning. Corey Hart had the big knock, a 2-rbi single. In the game, the Milwaukee had 5-hits as a team with 3 of them belonging to Aramis Ramirez.
Tyler Thornburg made his 2nd career start as he took the place of Zack Greinke in the rotation. Thornburg labored through 4 2/3 innings allowing only 2-runs on 4-hits while striking out 5 against 4-walks. Both of his runs came off home runs. Thornburg has allowed 7 long-balls in 12-innings this season.
John Axford replaced Thornburg with 2-outs and 2-on in the 5th. Axford got out of the jam and stayed in the game to work a scoreless 6th frame. Brewers Manager Ron Roenicke was happy with what he saw from his former closer…
AUDIO Ron Roenicke on Axford’s game and his approach to his new role :13
Francisco Rodriguez turned the 9th inning into an adventure. The newly appointed Brewers closer gave up a run, a hit, and walked 3 but still found a way to notch his 3rd save of the year.
Milwaukee received some help Wednesday as Cincinnati lost to Arizona 7-1. The Brewers trail both the Reds and Pittsburgh by 7-games in the NL Central. The Pirates got by Colorado Wednesday 9-6. Thursday is an off day for the Brewers before they head to Cincinnati Friday for a 3-game weekend series.
Brewers catcher Jonathan Lucroy starts his path back from injury tonight. Lucroy is in Appleton to play his first of four games with the Timber Rattlers. After that step, Lucroy will head to Nashville until he ready to come back to Milwaukee. Lucroy has been out since May 29th when his wife dropped a suitcase on his right hand breaking his hand. At first, it was said Lucroy would miss 4-6 weeks but it may be closer to 8 before Lucroy returns.
