When Craig Counsell released the Brewers lineup for Tuesday night’s game against the Marlins, the reaction on social media was, in a word, critical.
All set for game two against the Marlins.
📺: @BallySportWI Plus
📻: @620wtmj @fleet_farm | #ThisIsMyCrew pic.twitter.com/Px3e9dj6Bc— Milwaukee Brewers (@Brewers) April 27, 2021
Among other phrases, the word “monstrosity” was used to describe this lineup. Even Adam McCalvy seemed to have his doubts:
Here is the Brewers lineup. I look forward to your commentary. https://t.co/ipSqmR1L5q
— Adam McCalvy (@AdamMcCalvy) April 27, 2021
Despite the naysayers, the Brewers’ lineup had plenty of offense throughout the game. In addition, Adrian Houser pitched well enough to earn his second win of the season, and the bullpen held off the Marlins for a 5-4 win.
Unlikely Sluggers
After falling behind 1-0, and with the offense slow to put runs across the plate, Adrian Houser took it upon himself to provide an offensive boost. In the bottom of the second, Houser launched an opposite field solo home run to tie the score 1-1.
Adrian Houser joins the 'Pitchers Who Rake' Club.
🏡💣 pic.twitter.com/Q8Zqjy74xx— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) April 28, 2021
Following Houser’s blast, leadoff hitter Tyrone Taylor hit a solo shot of his own, making the score 2-1. It was the first of three RBI for the Brewers’ left fielder, playing in place of the injured Christian Yelich.
A 3-RBI day for Tyrone Taylor helped get the Brewers the win.@MillerLite | #ThisIsMyCrew pic.twitter.com/gLKLMbBibd
— Milwaukee Brewers (@Brewers) April 28, 2021
The Top of the Order Got It Done
Despite the criticism of the lineup, the Brewers’ first four hitters went a combine 6/15 (.400) with three RBI and two runs scored. Keston Hiura hit a triple in the fifth inning. He later scored on a Luis Urias double. Avisail Garcia snapped an 0/21 slump with a single early in the game.
An Old Friend Turned Foe
Former Brewers’ first baseman Jesus Aguilar had a nice game for Miami in their loss. Aguilar went 1/3 with a home run and two RBI. He is hitting .293/.371/.507 to start the season.
The Bullpen Takes Form
After Houser exited in the sixth inning, Brent Suter got the final out and recorded two outs in the seventh. JP Feyereisen recorded the final out of the inning, continuing his scoreless appearance streak to start the season. Devin Williams pitched a scoreless eighth, and appears to have shaken the rust the plagued him earlier in the season.
Some more Devin Williams Airbenders… pic.twitter.com/4roQ5FWZLG
— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) April 28, 2021
And to think, there were some who wanted him sent down…
Josh Hader pitched a scoreless ninth for his fifth save in as many chances. It appears that Counsell’s formula for the bullpen in close games going forward will be Feyereisen in the seventh, Williams in the eighth, and Hader in the ninth.
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