WP: Yovani Gallardo (2-2)
LP: Tim Lincecum (2-1)
SV: John Axford (2)
HR: Brandon Crawford (3), Nyjer Morgan (2)
A matchup that appeared to be a pitcher's duel ended up as an offensive explosion.
Milwaukee got the scoring going early today with an RBI single from Aramis Ramirez in the first inning. San Francisco responded with a three run home run from Brandon Crawford in the second inning, but RBI doubles from Alex Gonzalez and Rickie Weeks tied it at three after two innings. Tim Lincecum gave himself some run support with an RBI single in the fourth inning, but Ryan Braun's RBI double in the fifth put the Brewers up 5-4 and gave them the lead for good. An RBI single from Alex Gonzalez and a home run from Nyjer Morgan accounted for the rest of the scoring.
After scoring nine runs on Friday and ten runs yesterday, the offense stayed hot and put up another seven today. The Brewers got multi-hit games from Rickie Weeks, Nyjer Morgan, Aramis Ramirez, and Alex Gonzalez. Ryan Braun, Jonathan Lucroy, and Norichika Aoki also chipped in with hits to help the offense.
Both starting pitchers had a tough day. Yovani Gallardo was roughed up in his last start before opening day. In 5 2/3 innings, he allowed four earned runs on eight hits and one walk, though did strike out seven. Tim Lincecum had a worse day, though. He allowed six earned runs in 4 2/3 innings, allowing eight hits and one walk with four strikeouts.
The bullpen also had a good day as Juan Perez, Marco Estrada, and Tim Dillard all did not allow a run in their appearances. John Axford came in the ninth inning to record his second consecutive save.
The Brewers got back to .500 (14-14-2) for the spring with the win, and have won seven of their last nine games. Four games remain this spring, and all are on the road. Their next game will be tomorrow at Camelback Ranch as they take on the Chicago White Sox.