Twins 3, Brewers 0
Brewers now 45-35 (2nd)
Box Score | Season Schedule
MILWAUKEE — What? The Brewers have been shut out? The mighty Harvey’s Wallbangers?
It happened. For the first time in 137 games, it happened. And the last time they were shut out, on June 8, 1981, it was also at the hands of the Twins.
The loss was Pete Vuckovich‘s fourth this season and eighth in two seasons with the Brewers. He still shares the AL lead in wins with 10. He wasn’t perfect, but he allowed only three runs in a complete game loss.
The thing is, this game could have easily swung the Brewers’ way. Twins starter Jack O’Connor was fantastic, but the Brewers were inches away from swinging this game the other way. In the first inning with two on and two out, Gorman Thomas launched a fly ball to left field that was snagged at the wall by Bobby Mitchell. In an identical situation in the fifth with two on and two out, Robin Yount hit a shot to the warning track in right.
It was a painful loss, one that dropped the Brewers to two games back of the AL East lead (the Red Sox won), but it wasn’t meant to be.
But what was meant to be? Cecil Cooper and Rollie Fingers in the All-Star Game. Reserves were announced today, and the deserving duo join shortstop Robin Yount on the squad. That’s nice. All three have played at an All-Star level. But what about Gorman Thomas, who leads the AL in home runs? What about Pete Vuckovich, who leads the AL in wins? What about Ben Oglivie?
It’s okay. It’s just an exhibition game and a popularity contest. Not like the game actually counts. The Brewers will get back to winning the games that matter tomorrow.
Game Notes: Twins super rookie Kent Hrbek had four hits. … Brewers reliever Jamie Easterly was noticeably limping on a sore right knee prior to the game. If it is not better by July 11, he will undergo an arthroscopic exam. It is the same knee he had surgery on seven years ago. … Ned Yost and his wife Debbie became first time parents of a baby boy this morning. … A huge tailgate party to benefit the MACC fund will be held prior to tomorrow’s game starting at 3:00 in the parking lot near center field. Tickets are $15 and include a game ticket. Tickets for just the tailgate are $10.