Ryan Braun is taunted by Cardinal fans after striking out. UPI/Bill Greenblatt
A late inning defensive miscue likely cost the Milwaukee Brewers a chance at victory in St. Louis last night, dealing the Brewers a major blow in their pursuit of a post season playoff spot.
Mark Reynolds committed the mental error at first base in the eighth inning. With one out and a runner aboard, A.J. Pierzynski grounded to first base. Reynolds fielded the ball cleanly, but instead of throwing to second to start a 3-6-3 double play, he simply turned and stepped on first base, thinking they had two outs already.
That error cost the Brewers a pair of runs and sent the game to extra innings. Eventually, Tony Cruz provided the game winning rbi single in the 13th and sending the Brewers home with a 3-2 loss.
The Brewers dropped 6-games behind the Cardinals in the NL Central and 3 1/2 games behind the Pittsburgh Pirates in the NL Wildcard race.
Kyle Lohse worked 7 1/3 innings, allowing one run and four hits, walking one and striking out two.
The Brewers still had chances in extra innings. They had runners at 1st and 3rd in the 10th but Jonathan Lucroy struck out and Aramis Ramirez grounded out to end that threat.
In the 11th, the Brewers had the bases loaded with two outs, but Carlos Gomez struck out.
In the 12th, the Brewers had a runner at second base but Ryan Braun struck out to end the threat.
Jonathan Lucroy doubled in the fourth inning. It was his 52nd of the season and 45th as a catcher, tying Ivan Rodriguez for the major-league record. He also passed Yadier Molina’s National League record of 44, set last season.
The Brewers now open a crucial 3-game series against the Pirates tonight in Pittsburgh. Yovani Gallardo (8-10, 3.59) pitches for the Brewers and Jeff Locke (7-5, 3.66) goes for the Pirates.
AUDIO: Mark Reynolds says his mistake cost them the game :15