It was just what was needed.
The Brewers came from behind…Carlos Villanueva had a “quality start”–and (gasp) Eric Gagne not only was brought in for a Save opportunity, he actually earned the Save.
The Dodgers took a 1-0 lead in the first when centerfielder Matt Kemp scored on a two out Jeff Kent single. In the third, Kemp singled in Juan Pierre with two outs to give the Bums a 2-0 lead (bias admission: I like Kemp…as he’s on my fantasy team). The Crew plated their first run in the bottom of the third on a Mike Cameron single to left, to plate Rickie Weeks…with two outs.
But when Russell Martin singled in James Loney with no outs in the top of the fourth, I got a bit worried that Villanueva had reached his limit. I was wrong–Villanueva completed the fourth plus two more, finishing with just 2 ER over 6 IP en route to an eventual “W.”
It was Dodger starter Brad Penny that wore down in the 5th inning–allowing 3 Brewer earned runs. Villaneuva led off the bottom of the fifth, and stood on first watching Jason Kendall fly out and Weeks striking out. Cameron then singled, moving Villanueva to second; Ryan Braun doubled, plating both Villanueva and Cameron. Prince Fielder then singled to plate Braun. All 5 Brewers’ runs (and 2 of the 3 Dodger runs) were scored with two outs.
Most amazing, however, was that Yost went to Eric Gagne for the save opportunity…either they quickly identified Gagne’s flaw, or Yost felt that Gagne just needed a confidence boost…perhaps it was because they were facing his former team…no matter, Gagne allowed a hit and a walk, but finished off L.A. to earn his 10th Save of the year.
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