The BrewCap Vol. 91: Good Second Half Start

The BrewCap will recap the Brewers game on the day of the game replacing Highlights-Lowlights. I felt like those got too repetitive and people missed out on what actually happened. We try to get these up on the night of the game, but sometimes, it bleeds over into the next day. Brewcapping sometimes covers your weekend games if need be. I know this version is extra late, and I apologize for that one. 

Milwaukee has been a good team in their last 40 games or so. As broadcaster Joe Block pointed out this has been a 23-18 team since the 50 game mark where they were 16-34. Also Block points out Milwaukee is winners of 14 of their last 20 games, a pretty solid mark. Currently for July, they are 8-4. June started out similar only to have Milwaukee fall back with a big losing streak. Hopefully, that doesn't happen here and the Brewers can keep winning games.

Player of the Day (Brewers) -  Mike Fiers (P): What a performance to kick off the second half from Fiers. He goes seven strong only allowing three hits, one mistake pitch and striking out seven batters while only walking one. Fiers had complete control of this ball game from the start. He's proving last year wasn't a fluke with a 3.79 ERA for the season with his K/9 sitting right around nine. Numbers are still down from last year, but Fiers is proving to be a reliable arm for the team.

 Not Player of the Day (Brewers) - Jonathan Lucroy (C): When is it time to have a conversation about Jonathan Lucroy not hitting from the two spot? It seems like Carlos Gomez hitting second and Lucroy down to fifth would be more optimal for the team. To give you an idea where Lucroy thinks his swing is at how about him bunting with no outs and a runner on second in the first inning. He has zero confidence right now.

Player of the Day (Pirates) - Jung Ho Kang (3B): He provided the only offense for Pittsburgh on Friday with a solo shot in the seventh inning to bring the Pirates within a run at the time. Kang has been a nice surprise for the Pirates all season. I could see him having a big-time push into the second half for Pittsburgh.

Not Player of the Day (Pirates) -  Pedro Alvarez (1B): Not a good night for one of the Brewers killers on Pittsburgh's team. Alvarez left two runners in scoring position, struck out twice and had an error which allowed two runs essentially to score in the seventh inning. That's not a good day at the ballpark.

When The Game Turned -  Seventh inning. Even though Milwaukee got their runs ugly with an error and a double play, they still were able to push across two runs to make it four for the game and widen the lead.

What to Watch - Jimmy Nelson faces Pittsburgh who he has moderate success against facing off against Francisco Liriano who hasn't fared well at Miller Park for his career.

Charlie.