In an ugly game defensively, the Braves capitalized most on defensive miscues to get a big win in their quest for the playoffs. It was a re-match from the week before with the same starting pitchers, Mike Gazo for the Brewers, and Ryan Hobbins for the Braves. The Brewers jumped out to a quick 2-0 lead in the top of the first after Matt Beelen singles and Jason Krottner reached on an infield single, Dave Rivers and Frank Macera followed with RBI singles. In the bottom of the first, the first 6 Braves each reached base via singles, except for Brian Samuel who doubled in one run. The inning was helped by a Brewer error in a rundown as well. Gazo was able to escape the inning only giving up 3 runs, by getting a 1-2-3 double play.
The Brewers continued the offense in the top of the 2nd, getting one run when Krottner hit an RBI single to score Keith Blouin who had led off with a double. Gazo settled down in the 2nd, and after two innings, the score stood at 3-3.
Neither team could score in the 3rd or 4th as the defence finally showed up for each team. In the 5th, the defence took a break again for both. In the top of the inning, Jason Krottner led off with a double, and Mike Gingerich attempted to bunt him over, after a great bunt and a Braves error, Krottner was able to score the go-ahead run. Further Brewer damage was nullified when Rob Latulippe threw out Gingerich at the plate to end the inning. The nightmare then began for the Brewers. Ryan Hobbins walked to lead off, then Jonas Malcolm bunted to get the runner to 2nd, but Gazo mis-handled the ball to let Malcolm reach base too. After a sac advanced the runners to 2nd and 3rd, Samuel hit a grounder to 3rd, and Hobbins got caught in a rundown between home and 3rd....the Brewers proceeded to let Hobbins, Malcolm AND Samuel score on the play after a comedy of errors by the Brewers. Then after Mike Hogan doubled, Chris Ivany came in to relieve Gazo, and gave up an RBI double to Todd Beaupre to make the score 7-4. Thankfully the Brewers finally got out of the inning.
In the 6th, the Brewers were unable to score and the Braves threatened but couldn't score either and Steve Gilroy came in for the save in the 7th. Despite giving up a double to Rivers and an RBI single to Macera, he was able to get out of the inning and the Braves won 7-5.
Player of the Game : Brian Samuel.....1/2, 1 RBI, double, 2 runs...extra
credit for scoring after grounding out on the same play...ughhh!!!!
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