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What we learned: August 18, 2014

Today's lessons include injuries in the pitching staff and more winning after a Brewers sweep.

Harry How

This Weekend's Results

Brewers 6, Dodgers 3

Zack Greinke was as tough as usual, but not quite himself. He didn't allow a run, but only pitched five innings and walked five in the process. The Brewers just couldn't take advantage of it to back Jimmy Nelson, who turned in another quality start with two runs allowed in six innings. The Brewers offense did get to the Dodgers bullpen, though. A five-run eighth inning capped by a Lyle Overbay bases-clearing RBI double put the Brewers ahead, and they held on for the 6-3 win.

Brewers 3. Dodgers 2

A pitcher's duel broke out on Saturday night, and the winner wasn't the Cy Young winner that pitched the complete game. Clayton Kershaw was as tough as usual, allowing only five hits, striking out eleven, and walking no one. The difference on this night was that two of those hits left the ballpark, with one of those coming with a runner on base. Home runs by Ryan Braun and Carlos Gomez accounted for all of the scoring, and it was enough to back Yovani Gallardo, who pitched eight innings and allowed only one run. Francisco Rodriguez made it interesting late, but closed the door for the Brewers win.

Brewers 7, Dodgers 2

There was no doubt about how this game was going to go. The Brewers were up 2-0 before recording an out thanks to a Jonathan Lucroy home run. They built the lead to 5-0 in the second with a Lucroy bases-clearing RBI double, Lucroy's 40th double of the season. They tacked on a few more runs to make it 7-0, more than enough to back Wily Peralta's six scoreless innings. The Brewers did allow two runs in the eighth off of Marco Estrada, but allowed the Dodgers to get no closer than that.

Injuries have taken their toll on the Brewers pitching staff.

It's mid-August, and injuries are piling up on roster all around the league. The Brewers are no exception here, and their pitching staff is starting to see the injuries piling up. On Friday, the Brewers announced that Tyler Thornburg and Jim Henderson would not be returning this season. Both have been out for months, with Jim Henderson going out on two rehab assignments but not able to improve enough to return. Henderson could be headed for shoulder surgery, while Thornburg received an injection in his elbow. The Brewers are still hoping to improve the bullpen through a trade, but still have not had any luck.

Meanwhile, they also announced that Kyle Lohse will skip a start, and with off-days, the Brewers can just pitch the rest of the rotation on regular rest. They also said that Matt Garza played catch on Friday, though still has no time table for his return.

Cram Session

Minor League Update

Team Level Record This Weekend Today
Nashville Sounds AAA 69-59 Fri: El Paso 7, Nashville 3
Sat: Nashville 8, Albuquerque 3
Sun: Albuquerque 4, Nashville 2
Nashville @ Albuquerque
Huntsville Stars AA 72-54 Fri: Tennessee 2, Huntsville 0
Sat: Tennessee 12, Huntsville 5
Sun: Huntsville 8, Jackson 6
Jackson @ Huntsville
Brevard County Manatees A+ 63-57 Fri: Dunedin 4, Brevard County 1
Sat: Brevard County 5, Dunedin 1
Sun: Brevard County 3, Dunedin 2
Tampa @ Brevard County
Wisconsin Timber Rattlers A 65-59 Fri: Kane County 7, Wisconsin 2
Sun: Kane County 9, Wisconsin 0
Sun: Kane County 3, Wisconsin 0
Wisconsin @ Clinton
DSL Brewers R 27-39 Fri: DSL Mets2 4, DSL Brewers 2
Sat: DSL Mets2 4, DSL Brewers 3
DSL Tigers @ DSL Brewers
Helena Brewers R 22-37 Fri: Helena 7, Ogden 1
Sat: Helena 7, Ogden 3
Sun: Ogden 3, Helena 2
Ogden @ Helena
AZL Brewers R 19-27 Fri: AZL Brewers 4, AZL White Sox 1
Sat: AZL White Sox 5, AZL Brewers 0
Sun: AZL D-backs 3, AZL Brewers 2
AZL Brewers @ AZL Rangers

Playoff Update

  • Nashville Sounds: Have fallen one game behind Memphis Redbirds for division playoff spot. Elimination number is at 16.
  • Huntsville Stars: Have clinched a playoff spot.
  • Brevard County Manatees: Four games behind Daytona Cubs for playoff spot. Elimination number is at 12.
  • Wisconsin Timber Rattlers: Remain two games ahead of Peoria Chiefs for a second half playoff spot.
  • DSL Brewers: Eliminated from contention.
  • Helena Brewers: Four games behind Billings for playoff spot. Elimination number is at 14.
  • AZL Brewers: Ten games behind AZL Indians for playoff spot. Elimination number is at 2. Also one game behind AZL Reds for second in overall standings, can make playoffs if AZL Indians win second half and AZL Brewers finish second in overall standings.

News & Notes

Division Update

Team W L GB
Brewers 70 55 -
Cardinals 66 57 3
Pirates 64 60 5.5
Reds 61 63 8.5
Cubs 53 70 16

Today's Division Games

  • Reds (Mike Leake) @ Cardinals (Justin Masterson) - 7:15 pm
  • Braves (Ervin Santana) @ Pirates (Vance Worley) - 6:05 pm
  • Cubs (Kyle Hendricks) @ Mets (Carlos Torres) - 11:10 am

Today's Action

The Brewers have the day off today. They will return to action tomorrow as they start a two-game series against the Blue Jays at Miller Park.