While we've gotten somewhat accustomed to moderately slow-starting Brewer teams, it's worth noting that rough Aprils haven't always been their M.O. On this day in 1987, for example, they entered play 11-0 and extended the streak in dramatic fashion.
It looked like the fun was coming to an end on Easter Sunday at County Stadium, as the Rangers took a 4-1 lead into the bottom of the ninth inning and had Mitch Williams on the mound attempting to close things out. The Brewers had other plans, however. After a Glenn Braggs walk and Greg Brock single to open the inning, Rob Deer hit a three run homer off Greg Harris to tie the game. Three batters later Dale Sveum hit one of the more memorable home runs in Brewer franchise history, a walkoff shot to give the Crew a 6-4 victory.
The home run extended the Brewers' season-opening winning streak to 12 games, and dropped the Rangers to 1-10. The Rangers actually bounced back to beat the Orioles the next day and won seven out of eight games to get back to 8-11.
With help from Brewerfan.net and the B-Ref Play Index, happy birthday today to:
- Brevard County Manatee Connor Whalen, who turns 24.
- Former Brewer general manager Dean Taylor, who turns 61. We covered his birthday in this space last year.
- Seattle Pilot and 1970-71 Brewer Gus Gil, who turns 73.