Royals 9, Brewers 7
Brewers now 16-13 (3rd)
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KANSAS CITY — At least the Brewers didn’t lose this game 17-3. But that didn’t make it any less painful, as the Royals swept the Brewers in a one-sided three-game series.
Today’s pitching-challenged sea saw battle was a roller coaster of emotions. The game either tied or switched leaders four times. The Brewers would hit four home runs, three by Paul Molitor. The problem, however, was that all of those shots were of the solo variety.
When you give up nine runs, fingers typically point at the pitchers. While they aren’t completely without blame, the Brewers’ defense committed three errors that would all lead to unearned runs. Four unearned runs would score in all, which would be the difference in this game.
It’s been a common theme, really. Brewers offense is powerful, but not particularly timely. Pitching is good enough to win, but bad defense does them no favors. We’ve read this story before.
It would be the Brewers’ fourth straight loss to the Royals, who have taken five of six this season. It’s a reminder that the Brewers’ 16-13 record is a bit deceiving. The Crew has faced six teams so far this season, and only two (Chicago and Kansas City, who are a combined 32-23) have winning records. The Brewers are 2-6 against those two teams while they are 14-7 against the rest. Who are the rest, you ask? Toronto, Cleveland, Texas and Minnesota, who have a combined 45-74 (.378) record.
The Brewers have proven to us that they can beat bad teams. But they’ve yet to show us they can compete with the big boys. Until they do, there’s reason to be skeptical about their competitive record, good enough for third in the AL East.
Game Notes: Outfielder Kevin Bass turned 23 today. He pinch ran and played centerfield … Marshall Edwards hit his first career major league home run … Pitching coach Cal McLish was ejected in the ninth for arguing a called ball on John Wathan … Pitcher Dave Golz, who was released this spring by the Dodgers, will work out for the Brewers tomorrow in Chicago.
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