Brewers Ride Six Run First To 8-5 Win Over Giants

W: Jose Veras (3-1)
L: Barry Zito (3-2)
S: John Axford (7)

For one day, at least, the Brewers were able to stop the boulder that is their 2012 season from rolling down the mountain.

The Brewers plated six first inning runs today against Barry Zito and the Giants' defense, who helped them out with a couple of errors. Aramis Ramirez's bases loaded double drove in the first three runs, and Marco Estrada's two-out double added two more. Unfortunately the double proved costly: Estrada strained a hip flexor rounding first and had to be removed from the game after recording just three outs.

With Estrada's early departure the Brewers were forced to rely heavily on their bullpen once again today. Five relievers combined to pitch eight innings: Manny Parra, Kameron Loe and Jose Veras pitched two each while Francisco Rodriguez and John Axford worked the eighth and ninth. Veras retired six batters in order over his innings and was awarded the win.

The Brewers are off tomorrow before opening a series in Arizona at 8:40 Friday night.

Sorry this recap is really late - apparently we were all busy today.