Brewers Struggle-But Ready For Opener

The Milwaukee Brewers played there last spring training game today against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field in Phoenix, losing 14 to 3. Brewer’s pitchers were not sharp in their final tune-up before Friday’s season opener at Miller Park. Starter Shaun Marcum struggled through 4 1/3 innings and gave up seven hits and five runs, one walk and three strikeouts, throwing 78 pitches. Manny Parra came in for Marcum, and gave up five runs on four hits and two walks, all without recording an out. Tim Dillard worked 1 2/3 innings giving up four hits and three runs, leading to a seven run fifth inning for the Diamondbacks. Marco Estrada looked sharp pitching one inning, no hits, and two strikeouts. John Axford finished the game for the Brewers, giving up two hits and one run, striking out three. Overall, Brewer pitching surrendered 17 hits in the loss. One positive, starter Shaun Marcum reached a predetermined pitch limit, and barring any reoccurring soreness in his shoulder, should be ready to go. Arizona’s Joe Saunders went five innings for the Diamondbacks, allowing three runs on five hits and striking out five with the win.

The Brewers had six hits, including a double off the wall by Ryan Braun, his third of the spring; Corey Hart belted a two-run homer to tie the game at three in the fourth inning and that was all the Brewers would put on the board. Mat Gamel made a nice catch, narrowly avoiding a collision with catcher Jonathan Lucroy near the Brewers dugout. Gamel continues to look comfortable at first base and leads the Brewers with six home runs this spring. I still believe Matt will play a big part in the Brewers success this season, as I wrote in a previous article. If you’re interested in the final spring training statistics, you can find them here.

YovaniGallardo will take the mound Friday afternoon 3:10 p.m. CT against the Cardinals in the Brewers season opener at Miller Park.

Vote on the Brewers win Poll! on the upper left. Until next time. Go Brewers! Have a great 2012.

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