Craig Counsell (right)
The Milwaukee Brewers fell behind the Los Angeles Dodgers 3-0 at Miller Park last night, then battled their way back for a 4-3 victory in Craig Counsell’s managerial debut.
Counsell was hired by the Brewers to replace the fired Ron Roenicke. But even Counsell knew he wouldn’t be able to instill too much change over night.
“Quite honestly, it’s going to be a pretty simple message,” said Counsell. We have a game at six-twenty. You know we can’t start over today. I’ll have some simple messages for them and we’ll build on this weekend, as we move forward. Like I said on a daily basis, they’ll understand what I expect of them.”
It was the third straight win for the Brewers (8-18).
Hector Gomez got the start at shortstop for Jean Segura. Segura sat out after being hit in the helmet on Sunday against the Cubs. Gomez tripled and scored and then clubbed a two run homer. The home run came after Adam Lind clubbed a pinch-hit double in the 8th off of Clayton Kershaw. Gomez’s homer knocked Kershaw out of the game. He became the first player to triple and homer in the same game off of Kershaw.
Ryan Braun’s infield single scored Carlos Gomez with the game winner as the Brewers beat Kershaw for the first time ever at Miller Park. Kershaw was trying to secure his 100th career victory but will have to wait for another day.
Michael Blazek (2-0) got the victory in relief and Francisco Rodriguez worked a 1-2-3 ninth to pick up his fifth save of the season.
AUDIO: Craig Counsell said this was a special day :09
AUDIO: Craig Counsell said this is a big team win :09
AUDIO: Craig Counsell on the team having fun :21
