Twins complete 4 game sweep of Milwaukee Brewers with 7-2 win

WP: Alan Busenitz (1-0); LP: Zach Davies (13-6); Save: none; Homeruns: Min - none; Mil - Keon Broxton (16)

Box Score

A Twins pitcher got his first career win tonight, but it wasn’t starting pitcher Dietrich Enns. The Brewers bestowed that honor on reliever Alan Buenitz, as Zach Davies allowed six runs combined in the second and third innings, more than enough to topple the Crew for their fifth straight loss, final score 7-2. With the Cards win over the Royals the Brewers fall to third, two games behind the idle Cubs and a game back of St. Louis.

Davies worked into the fifth and gave up eleven hits, two walks, and all seven runs, six of which were earned. He struck out two. The Twins, who had been homering at will in the series, had but one extra base hit, a double from Eddie Rosario. In relief of Davies, Oliver Drake, Anthony Swarzak, and Jared Hughes combined for 3¹⁄₃ innings of scoreless ball, allowing one hit, walking one, and striking out four.

After the Twins plated three in the top of the second, Keon Broxton hit a two out homer to cut to 3-1. Their second run came in the bottom of the third when Jesus Aguilar drew a bases loaded walk to force in Orlando Arcia. That was it; the Brewers had five hits and a walk off of Enns in his 2¹⁄₃ innings, but Milwaukee could plate no more than two. Four Minnesota relievers combined to allow just two more Brewer hits over the final 6²⁄₃ innings for the easy win.

Once the Brewers coughed up the first game Monday in Minneapolis, 5-4, they didn’t compete at all in the last three contests. Minnesota (57-56) outscored the Brewers 27-10 over the four games. Fortunately, they are done with Milwaukee (59-58) for this season...unless the two meet in the World Series. Ahem. The Cincinnati Reds (48-67) come to Miller Park tomorrow night, and the Brewers ten game lead over the Reds might be enough to keep Milwaukee from falling into last in the NL Central. The Pirates, at 57-58, are just a game back in fourth. The Reds will send old buddy Homer Bailey (3-6, 8.86) out in their contribution to the resuscitation of the Brewers’ offense. Milwaukee will go with Jimmy Nelson, who’s most excellent start last Sunday was wasted to start the Brewers latest losing streak. Jimmy’s record sits at 9-5 with a 3.24 ERA.

The Packers beat the Eagles 24-9 in meaningless football. The Brewers are in danger of rendering their games meaningless in short order.