On this day in 2008, the Brewers got some late-inning heroics from Ryan Braun. Trailing 3-2 with one out in the top of the ninth against Cardinals closer Ryan Franklin, Braun hit a two run homer to left center to give the Brewers the lead and eventually the win.
The home run was more than a game-winner, though: It was also a piece of history. It was the Brewers' first long ball of the game, and it gave the team a new franchise record with homers in 20 consecutive contests. The streak had begun when Joe Dillon and J.J. Hardy (twice) homered against the Diamondbacks on July 1, and had followed the team through six series across four cities. The Brewers went 15-5 during the streak.
With help from the B-Ref Play Index, happy birthday today to:
- 1995 Brewer Joe Oliver, who turns 46.
- Kewaunee, WI native and 1975-84 Brewer Jerry Augustine, who turns 59.