If you've been watching Brewer games over the last few days you've probably seen at least one replay of Ryan Braun's home run from Friday, which propelled the Brewers to their second playoff appearance of the last 29 years. On this day in 2008, Braun drove in the game winning run in another playoff clinching contest.
The Brewers needed a big win on this day and called upon their key acquisition: CC Sabathia pitched on short rest for the third consecutive start and hurled a gem, holding the Cubs to just one unearned run on four hits over nine innings. A Craig Counsell bases loaded walk tied the game at one in the seventh, and one inning later Ryan Braun did this:
Shortly after this game ended the Marlins beat the Mets in the final game at Shea Stadium, clinching the Brewers' first playoff appearance since 1982.
With help from the B-Ref Play Index, happy birthday today to:
- 2006 Brewer Chris Demaria, who turns 31.
- 2001-03 Brewer Mike DeJean, who turns 41.
- 1996-99 Brewer Brian Banks, who also turns 41.
- Milwaukee native Todd Frohwirth, who turns 48. Frohwirth played nine major league seasons between 1987-96 as a member of the Phillies, Orioles and two other teams.
Also, happy anniversary today to catcher Mark Johnson and outfielder Nelson Cruz, who had their only Brewer hits on this day in 2004 and 2005, respectively.