Cody Ransom’s homer capped a four-run 8th inning and the Milwaukee Brewers held off the Houston Astros 8-7.
The Brewers took a 8-4 lead to the 9th, only to see Houston score 3-times to make it 8-7. With John Axford on the mound, Cesar Izturis saved the day when he dived to glove J.D. Martinez’s sharp grounder, then threw a one-hopper to Corey Hart at 1st, which Hart held on to, preserving the 1-run victory.
The Brewers bullpen couldn’t protect a 4-3 lead in the 7th and almost blew the 4-run lead in the 9th.
AUDIO: Ron Roenicke on squeaking out a win :09
Brewers manager Ron Roenicke once again had to go to his bullpen. He’s finding it more difficult to come up with some reliable pitching in the pen.
AUDIO: Ron Roenicke on trying to find reliable bullpen help :09
AUDIO: Ron Roenicke is hoping to get off the roller coaster :19
The Brewers were held to a pair of hits in the first 6-innings by Houston starter Bud Norris. Infield singles off the bat of Izturis and Aramis Ramirez was it, until the bats came alive in he 7th.
Nyjer Morgan also homered late for the Brewers.