Randy Wolf, New Brewer Bullpen Beat Cardinals 3-2

W: Randy Wolf (3-6)
L: Joe Kelly (1-2)
S: Francisco Rodriguez (2)

HR: Rickie Weeks (9)

MVP: Francisco Rodriguez (+.158)
LVP: Ryan Braun (-.099)

Win Expectancy Graph

The Brewers needed a big outing from Randy Wolf tonight and they got it: He pitched 6.2 innings and allowed just two runs on eight hits, walking one and striking out six. He worked out of jams on multiple occasions and benefited from three double plays, but kept the Brewers in the game.

The offense, meanwhile, plated single runs on RBI singles for Corey Hart and Aramis Ramirez and a long solo home run (estimated at 460 feet) for Rickie Weeks. Hart's RBI single extended his hitting streak to eleven games.

With John Axford removed from the closer role earlier today, tonight was our first look at the Brewers' new-look bullpen. Jose Veras recorded the final out in the seventh, Manny Parra pitched a perfect eighth with a pair of strikeouts and Francisco Rodriguez allowed the tying run to reach third with none out but got out of it to record his second Brewer save.

Meanwhile, here's something to keep an eye on: Ryan Braun was double switched out of tonight's game in the seventh inning, early enough that his spot in the lineup would have come up again. Ryan Kartje of FS Wisconsin was the first to report that Braun left the game with a right thigh strain. It remains to be seen if the injury is serious, but don't be surprised if Braun sits out tomorrow's day game to get the double day off.