It took 12 innings, but the Milwaukee Brewers pulled out a 9-8 win over the St. Louis Cardinals at Miller Park on Tuesday.
Playing their 4th extra inning game in the last five outings, the Brewers ran through 7 relievers and now find themselves short on pitching for todays series opener against the Philadelphia Phillies. And that's with a 14-man pitching staff.
The Brewers could have avoided the extra innings had second baseman Rickie Weeks turned a routine double play in the 9th, but his throw couldn't be handled by Prince Fielder at first base and the Cardinals plated the tying run (8-8).
Week's wild throw not only cost Eric Gagne a save, but increased his number of blow saves to four. Gagne should have still been out of the jam, but he created his own mess by hitting the first batter he faced, Cesar Izturis and then coughed up a single to Skip Schumaker. After striking out Rick Ankiel, Albert Pujols bounced into what appear to be a game ending double play. That's when Week's threw wild and allowed the tying run to score.
The two teams remained tied until Gabe Kapler's run scoring single in the 12th inning won it for the Brewers.
Seth McClung worked a perfect 12th inning to get the win for the Brewers in relief.
Milwaukee now opens a 2-game seires with the Philadelphia Phillies at Miller Park tonight.
Listen / Download – Gabe Kapler on game winning hit
Listen / Download – Ned Yost isn't sure what he'll do with tired bullpen. :15