Win: Shaun Marcum (12-5)
Loss: Wandy Rodriguez (10-10)
HR: Braun (26), Lucroy (11)
MVP: Marcum (.325)
LVP: Betancourt (-.040)
Fangraphs Win Expectancy Graph
Boxscore
Yesterday it was Craig Counsell, George Kottaras, and the Brewers offense that was in the spotlight. Today, it's Shaun Marcum and the pitching.
Marcum was outstanding, going seven innings and giving up just one hit and one walk. No Astros hitters reached second base against him. He took a no hitter into the sixth inning before Jordan Schafer broke it up with a single. He struck out eight batters. And he did it all in under 100 pitches.
Francisco Rodriguez and Takashi Saito put down the Astros in the eighth and ninth innings to keep the shutout intact.
Ryan Braun went 3-3 today, with a solo homer and three RBI. That day now puts him in the NL lead for batting average, a couple points ahead of Jose Reyes, who did not play today.
Also, Taylor Green doubled in a pinch hit appearance. Here's a fun fact from Cheeseandcorn: In seven plate appearances, Green has 0.3 more WAR than Yuniesky Betancourt has all year.
The July 22-24 series against the Giants has been "the last time the Brewers" have done a lot of things. It was right after that when the Brewers started their magnificent hot streak, not losing a series until being swept by the Cardinals this week. That Giants series also marks something else: The last time I've had the opportunity to recap a loss. The Brewers haven't lost on a Saturday or Sunday in nearly a month and a half. Pretty cool stuff.