Maldonado, Rookies Slam Brewers Past Padres, 4-3

W: Jim Henderson (1-2)
L: Anthony Bass (2-8)
S: John Axford (35)

HR: Martin Maldonado (8, grand slam)

MVP: Martin Maldonado (+.249 WPA)
LVP: Manny Parra (-.255)

Win Expectancy Graph

The Brewers used ten rookies tonight, including seven in the starting lineup and it was enough to get them their 83rd win. One of those rookies was catcher Martin Maldonado, who powered the Brewer attack with his first career grand slam. That was the beginning and the end of the Brewer offense.

Meanwhile, Tyler Thornburg was about as good as one could expect from someone who hasn't started in a month. He pitched four innings and allowed a run on four hits, walking none and striking out four on 51 pitches. Because he went short tonight the Brewers needed six relievers to work the final five innings.

Those seven Brewer pitchers, by the way, combined to strike out ten Padres. If they can strike out eight more tomorrow they'll tie the 2003 Cubs for the major league single season record.

Ryan Braun went 0-for-3 with a walk tonight, snapping his hitting streak at eleven games. He has still, however, reached base safely in 19 straight. All told the Brewers managed just five hits tonight.

The Brewers wrap up the series and the 2012 season tomorrow when Yovani Gallardo will (might?) take on Anthony Werner at 7:10.