On this day in 2007 the Brewers beat the Reds 5-3 to improve to 75-72 on the season. Jeff Suppan pitched a quality start and five relievers combined to work 2.2 scoreless innings behind him, including a four out save for Francisco Cordero. The Brewers hit two home runs in the game, but the first one was more historically significant.
First baseman Prince Fielder hit a solo home run off Kirk Saarloos in the third inning and set a new franchise record with his 46th long ball of the season. Fielder broke a record Gorman Thomas had held for 28 years, although Richie Sexson had tied it in 2001 and 2003.
Fielder eventually finished the season with 50 home runs to lead all National Leaguers, won a Silver Slugger award and finished third in the voting for NL MVP.
With help from the B-Ref Play Index, happy birthday today to:
- 2001 Brewer Elvis Pena, who turns 36.
- Rick Kranitz, who turns 54.
- 1972-73 Brewer Frank Linzy, who turns 72.
Today is also the fourth anniversary of the 2008 firing of Ned Yost. We covered that event in this space last year.