On this day in 2008, Brewer fans were still buzzing over one of the biggest in-season trades in franchise history. The Brewers had shifted into "going for it" mode the previous day by acquiring CC Sabathia from the Indians for minor leaguers Matt LaPorta, Zach Jackson and Rob Bryson. Sabathia was having a bit of a down year for Cleveland, posting a 3.83 ERA through 18 starts, but was only a year removed from winning the AL Cy Young in 2007 and was a three time All Star.
Sabathia wasn't great on this night, but he was good enough. The Brewers' first three batters of the game reached base and scored (all on a Ryan Braun home run), and Sabathia made the lead hold up as he held the Rockies to three runs (two earned) on five hits over six innings. David Riske, Eric Gagne and Brian Shouse each pitched scoreless relief innings in the 7-3 victory.
This game would actually turn out to be one of Sabathia's worst as a Brewer. It was truly the start of something special.
With help from the B-Ref Play Index, happy birthday today to:
- 1970-72 Brewer Ken Sanders, who turns 70.
- Seattle Pilot Bucky Brandon, who turns 71.
- 1959-61 Milwaukee Brave Al Spangler, who turns 78.