Brewers 5, Reds 6: Bullpen'd

Win: Jose Arredondo
Loss: Johnny Hellweg
Save: J.J. Hoover

Box Score

Those who were hoping the Brewers wouldn't put Johnny Hellweg in the bullpen to start the 2013 season may be getting their wish. The Brewers had a 5-4 advantage in the eighth inning before Hellweg gave up two earned runs in his second inning of work. His first inning was great, though. After coming in for the start of the seventh, he struck out the first two batters he faced before giving up a walk to Ryan LaMarre, whom Hellweg promptly picked off of first base to end the inning.

Hellweg fell apart during the eighth inning. His inning began with a single followed by a Bobby Crosby (playing third base today) throwing error. Hellweg then gave up his second walk and an RBI single to old friend Cesar Izturis. That tied up the game. A groundout from Corky Miller scored the go-ahead run and ended Hellweg's night. Hellweg has now given up six earned runs, six walks, and seven strikeouts in 8.2 innings. It is looking increasingly probable he will continue to start in the minors, likely getting his first taste of Triple-A.

Wily Peralta started the game for the Brewers and similarly struggled. He went 2.1 innings today, but struggled to miss Cincinnati's bats. Peralta ended up giving up five hits and a walk en route to giving up three earned runs. Burke Badenhop was the best Brewers' pitcher today, striking out two hitters in two clean innings.

The Brewers bats carried the team early, scoring five runs in the first four innings. Donnie Murphy was great today, going 3-3 with a double and a run scored. He was also hit by a pitch. Logan Schafer also had a good day, picking up two hits, including a double, and two RBI. Blake Lalli was the only other Brewer with multiple hits, though Kentrail Davis scored a couple runs, had an RBI, and stole a base on a walk and a fielders choice.

The Brewers will play the Giants next. As of tomorrow, the games will start at 3:00 central time thanks to daylight savings.