Ground ball single, rinse, repeat: MIL 2, STL 4

Brewers Starting Pitcher: Wily Peralta 
Cardinals Starting Pitcher: Lance Lynn

Winning Pitcher: Lance Lynn
Losing Pitcher: Wily Peralta

SV: Trevor Rosenthal

FanGraphs' WPA Chart
Boxscore

The Cardinals got to work quickly in the first. On three straight hits on 6 pitches from Wily Peralta scored 2 runs. They wouldn't get anymore runs but they did send 6 batters to the plate. It was an ugly defensive inning too as Jean Segura flubbed another throw to first base.

It took another inning before the Brewers would respond. Jonathan Lucroy drew a walk and would advance to second on a base hit from Ryan Braun. With two outs Aramis Ramirez would drive in Lucroy with a bloop to shallow left center. They would bring the Cardinals' lead down to 2-1.

The Cardinals didn't wait long to strike back. In the fourth inning they'd drive in one run before the Brewers recorded a single out. Before the inning ended they would get one more to increase their lead to 4-1.

The Cardinals kept their hit train rolling in the fifth inning but the Brewers were lucky enough to escape the inning without giving up a run. But not before a defensive miscue from Jean Segura would load the bases for Kolton Wong who would ultimately fly out to end the inning.

This game is a prime example of why even the best contact pitcher will always have a lower ceiling than the best strikeout pitcher. Wily Peralta lasted five innings today and despite the line he wasn't terrible. He allowed 10 hits, 4 runs, 1 walk, and only got 1 strike out. He still induced a lot weak contact but everything just seemed to find a way through the infield.

The Brewers made some noise in the ninth. Logan Schafer of all people drew a walk off Trevor Rosenthal. He was promptly erased by a fielder's choice of the bat of Carlos Gomez who hurt himself on the way to first. He was replaced by Kyle Lohse who advance to second on a wild pitch and score on a single from Ryan Braun. It wouldn't be enough though as Adam Lind flew out to end the game.

The Brewers would lose 4-2 and drop to a season record of 2-6.

Injuries

In the ninth inning Carlos Gomez was runner to first beating out a ground ball single. About 3/4 of the way to first base he started to pull back. Once the play was complete he immediately left the game. As of writing this the injury nor the severity has been announced but it appeared it was possibly a hamstring issue.

Outstanding Offensive Play

The Brewers lost lost the game but Jonathan Lucroy deserves some recognition. He's been cold at the plate to start the season but that wasn't the case this evening. He was 2-4 with a walk. Let's hope he can keep it going and that it's not too little too late.

Outstanding Defensive Play(s)

In the second inning Lance Lynn attempted to bunt a runner from first to second. He hit it a bit too hard and Wily Peralta charged the ball. With Yadier Molina running Peralta had just enough time to throw to second for the out. It was a risky play and a close one, but it was successful.

In the fourth inning, which started out poorly for Peralta, Adam Lind made a diving catch in foul territory on a pop-up from a bunt attempt by Lynn. It was a pretty huge out as there were runners at the corners with only one out.

Outstanding Pitching Performance(s)

Neal Cotts was terrible in Spring Training (all 8.1 innings of it). There wasn't a day that went by you wouldn't find someone on a BCB thread acting like his whopping one year $3 million deal was the biggest crime against humanity ever perpetrated by the Brewers. Small sample size still applies but after a 1-2-3 inning tonight he's thrown 4.1 innings with a 38.8 K% (14.59 K/9), 0.5 BB% (2.08 BB/9), 2.08 HR/9, 2.08 ERA, 3.43 FIP, and a 1.04 xFIP. Obviously he's not going to continue at exactly that pace, but maybe don't judge a guy on 8.1 IP in Spring Training?

I'd be remiss if I didn't also mention Michael Blazek's contribution to the game. He pitched 2 clean innings facing the minimum with 2 strike outs. He capped off his night by leaping into the air to stab a very high chopper back to the mound which he then tossed over to first for the out.

FIRST REVIEW OF THE YEAR!!!

Matt Holliday chopped a fly to right field and Ryan Braun tracked it down, dove, and clearly (AND I MEAN CLEARLY) caught the ball. It was a great play. The umpire (John Hirschbeck) ruled it a hit. I assume the dude forgot his contacts or his new glasses will arrive at Wal-Mart later in the week. Ron Roenicke called for a review and 66 seconds later the call was reversed.

Next Game:

Thursday April 16th, 12:45 pm CST: Mike Fiers vs John Lackey