What we learned: September 8, 2014

This Weekend's Results

Brewers 6, Cardinals 2
Cardinals 5, Brewers 3
Cardinals 9, Brewers 1

We finally saw some signs of life from the Brewers on Friday night, as they broke their losing streak and beat the Cardinals thanks to strong performances from Scooter Gennett, Khris Davis, and Mike Fiers. However, those signs of life didn't last long. They played well on Saturday but just couldn't win for a second straight day, and then were completely lifeless in a loss on Sunday. It nearly ended any hope they had of winning the division, and also put them out of the playoff picture as they dropped out of the second Wild Card spot.

Cram Session

From BCB

• There are many good reasons to hate the St. Louis Cardinals. On Friday, Noah went through his list of reasons for why he hates the Brewers' NL Central rivals.
• After the Brewers win on Friday, some words were exchanged between the Brewers and Cardinals. Noah has GIFs, video, and quotes from the postgame situation.

Injury Notes

• The full return of Carlos Gomez appears to be imminent. Adam McCalvy reports that Gomez made it through batting practice without issues, and should be back in the lineup soon. (He did pinch hit and score a run yesterday.)
• Ryan Braun's hand issue has been causing issues for him again. Adam McCalvy notes that Braun has been fighting through the pain to remain in the lineup.

Other Notes

• The players held a closed-door meeting following Sunday's loss to the Cardinals.
• Was the Brewers nine-game losing streak the worst nine game streak in Brewers history? Adam Wieser of Disciples of Uecker looks at how bad the streak has been, as well as some of the other worst streaks in franchise history.
• How much blame does Ron Roenicke deserve for the losing streak? Jonathan Judge of Disciples of Uecker says he deserves more blame than you think.
• Starting pitching has gone downhill for the Brewers in the last few weeks. Todd Rosiak of the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel looks at the decline that the starting staff has seen.
• Tom Haudricourt of the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel says that the Brewers have three weeks left to prove if they belong in the playoffs or not. He also asks if the Brewers urgency shown with the team meeting on Sunday was too late.
• Rickie Weeks collected his 1,000th hit in Saturday's loss to the Cardinals.
• Plunk Everyone notes that Lyle Overbay's HBP on Sunday broke a streak of 903 PA without one.
• Despite the Brewers struggles, Jonathan Lucroy is remaining on track with his doubles pace. Adam McCalvy looks at where Lucroy is in regards to breaking different records, both Brewers and MLB.
• The Brewers installed a sign to honor Bruce Seid at Miller Park for the rest of the season, and the players will wear a patch on their uniforms as well.
• On Saturday night, the Brewers had a "pink-out" of Miller Park. Caitlin Moyer has more details on the event from that night.

Minor League Update

News & Notes

• Huntsville went 2-1 over the weekend to force a deciding Game 5 tonight in Chattanooga.
• Jason Rogers and Taylor Jungmann received the organization's minor league player and pitcher of the month awards.
• Reviewing the Brew continued their series of the best teams in Brewers minor league history with the 2009 Brevard County Manatees.

Division Update

• Pirates @ Cubs
  Saturday: Pirates 5, Cubs 3
  Saturday: Pirates 5, Cubs 0
  Sunday: Pirates 10, Cubs 4
• Mets @ Reds
  Friday: Mets 14, Reds 5
  Saturday: Reds 2, Mets 1
  Sunday: Mets 4, Reds 3

Today's Division Games

• Cardinals (Shelby Miller) @ Reds (Dylan Axelrod) - 6:10 pm
• Pirates (Jeff Locke) @ Phillies (Kyle Kendrick) - 6:05 pm
• Cubs (Justin Turner) @ Blue Jays (Marcus Stroman) - 6:07 pm

Today's Action

Despite falling out of a playoff spot, the Brewers still have three weeks and 19 games to turn things around and save the season. The Marlins come to Miller Park next, and they are clinging to a slim playoff hope. Game 1 will feature Yovani Gallardo going against Brad Penny. First pitch is at 7:10 pm, and Stephen Pianovich of MLB.com has the preview.