The Milwaukee Brewers fell from first place in the National League Central division for the first time since April 20th after falling 8-5 to the New York Mets at Miller Park last night.
The Brewers find themselves a single percentage point behind the Chicago Cubs, who beat the Philadelphia Phillies 5-4 last night.
Claudio Vargas brought his 9-2 record into last night's game, getting the start for the Brewers. But Vargas had his shortest outing of the season, allowing 7 runs and 5 hits with a pair of walks in 2 2/3 innings of work to take the loss.
The Brewers did jump on Mets pitcher Oliver Perez early, getting him for five runs, including Prince Fielder's 31st homer of the season in the first. That broke a 67 at bat home run drought for Fielder. But Milwaukee couldn't sustain the offense and allowed Perez to settle in and pick up his 10th win of the season, striking out 10.
The Brewers did get a welcomed relief performance from rookie Manny Parra who finished up. Parra worked 6 1/3 innings, allowing just 1 run with 1 walk and 8 strikeouts. He saved the Brewers bullpen going into the final game of the series today. Chris Capuano pitches for the Brewers. Brian Lawrence makes his 2007 debut for the Mets.
Listen / Download – Ned Yost says Claudio Vargas just didn't have it. :16