Craig Counsell
The Milwaukee Brewers avoided a season-opening sweep at the hands of San Francisco, knocking off the Giants 4-3 at Miller Park on Wednesday afternoon.
Chris Carter, who clubbed a solo home run earlier, broke a 3-3 tie in the 7th inning with a sacrifice fly, delivering the game winning run. His home run came off of Giants starter Jeff Samardzija, to right center.
The Brewers avoided digging a big hole early, thanks to the defense of third baseman Aaron Hill. In the first inning, Hill raced down the left-field line to haul in Brandon Belt’s pop fly with an over-the-shoulder catch. Hill then turned and fired a strike to the plate to get Buster Posey tagging from third base.
Hill also made another big play, charging hard on a bunt and throwing to second base to start a 5-6-4 double play.
AUDIO: Craig Counsell on Aaron Hill’s defensive gem’s :20
Taylor Jungmann pitched five innings and was removed after 80 pitches. Tyler Thornburg and Michael Blazek worked the 7th and 8th innings with Thornburg picking up the win. Jeremy Jeffress pitched the 9th inning for his first save in the majors since April of 2011 with Kansas City.
The Brewers have the day off today. They’ll open a 3-game weekend series against the Houston Astros on Friday night.
AUDIO: Jeff Miller on the Brewers 4-3 win over the Giants :30