Indians 6, Brewers 2
Brewers now 3-2 (1st)
Box Score | Season Schedule
So what happens when your offense can’t maintain it’s 10.0 runs per game average while your pitching continues to scuffle?
You lose.
High powered offenses can’t consistently pump out gaudy run totals day after day. They just don’t. Good pitching beats good hitting. And even the best hitters can’t always find the holes.
Whether it was John Denny‘s greatness, a matter of bad luck or a combination, the Brewers never had a shot today. Denny was given a 3-0 fourth inning lead, and the Brewers bats struggled to squeeze out two runs on a total of seven hits. Not a single Brewer batter collected more than a hit.
That happens. But what has to concern the Brewers and their fans is that ace Pete Vuckovich has yet to find his balance. After an unimpressive win on opening day aided by 15 Brewers runs, Vuke couldn’t get through the fourth inning today. Wildness was again his issue, as he allowed three runs on six hits and six walks in 3 1/3 innings. His ERA is now 6.75, but a bigger concern may be the nine walks and 13 hits in 9 1/3 innings. That’s more than two baserunners an inning, for you math geeks out there.
Bob McClure was no better in relief, allowing three earned runs on three hits and four walks in 3 1/3 of his own. You’re not going to win many games when your pitchers issue 10 free passes in the first 6 2/3 innings. The Brewers were lucky to allow only six runs.
Yes, the Brewers are still in first place. No, there’s no reason to be in panic mode. But what in the world is going to happen if the pitching doesn’t get straightened out before taking on a team that hasn’t been a bottom feeder for the past five years?
Luckily, the Brewers have another game of “practice” tomorrow before taking on the Texas Rangers.
Game Notes: The slumping Larry Hisle was not in today’s lineup … Shortstop Robin Yount will be available for pinch hitting duties until he recovers from a hamstring pull … Charlie Moore and Cecil Cooper have each hit safely in all five games.