When Milwaukee Brewers rookie Mark Rogers was picked in the first round of
Mark Rogers
the 2004 Baseball Amateur Draft, he wasn’t sure how long it would take to earn his first Major League win. But he certainly didn’t think he’d have to wait until 2012.
Rogers left last night’s game against the Chicago Cubs, trailing 3-1 after working five innings. In that scenario, most pitchers are hoping to get enough run support to get off the hook for the loss. What Rogers got was even better.
Rogers, who had seen the bullpen blow leads in 3 of his 4 previous games, looked on as the offense put up 8-runs in the bottom of the fifth. That was enough to secure Rogers first career victory.
AUDIO: Mark Rogers on lasting just 5-innings :15
It’s been a long wait for Rogers, who lost two Minor League seasons due to shoulder surgeries. He also started 2011 with shoulder problems and wound up having carpal tunnel surgery on both wrists. He also lost 25-games after being suspended for using a supplement tainted with a stimulant.
AUDIO: Mark Rogers said his health issues make this even more special :07
Rogers didn’t have his best stuff last night, allowing 3 runs on 5 hits with 3 walks and 7 strikeouts in five innings of work.
Brewers catcher Jonathan Lucroy homered twice and Carlos Gomez once to help support Rogers
The Brewers used five relievers after Rogers, getting work from Kameron Loe, Mike McClendon, Manny Parra, Jose Veras and Livan Hernandez.
Rogers felt relieved to get his first win now because there’s talk that he could be shutdown before the end of the regular season.