Crew’s Cactus League opener ends in 3-3 tie

The Brewers’ 2009 Cactus League season opener opened with a whimper, as the Crew spotted the A’s leads of 1-0 and 3-1 before coming back to end with a 3-3 tie in 10 innings.

Jeff Suppan gave up 3 hits and an ER on a solo shot by Bobby Crosby in the 2nd; the Crew tied it up at 1-1 on a Corey Hart solo shot in the 3rd.  Jorge Julio served up a 2-run home run to A’s outfielder Travis Buck in his inning of work, the 5th; Brad Nelson and Chris Duffy each drove in a run in the 8th.

New skipper Ken Macha got his first first-hand look at 8 pitchers and 19 position players today, and watched the Crew strand 10 runners on base throughout the afternoon; Craig Counsell got the most hits for the Brewers, going 3-for-3 spelling Rickie Weeks at second.  Only 2 of the 12 hits were for extra bases.  In addition to Suppan, Dave Bush, Todd Coffey, Julio, Nick Green, Trevor Hoffman, Eduardo Morlan, and Lindsay Gulin all saw action off the mound today…meaning Yovani Gallardo, Manny Parra, Seth McClung, David Riske and Carlos Villanueva should get some time tomorrow against the Cubs.

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