Gorman Thomas on the Brewers’ managerial change during the 1982 season
Gorman Thomas and producer Kelly Kahl, both involved in the documentary “Just a Bit Outside” about the 1982 Brewers, remember a managerial change in the middle of the season.
Milwaukee Brewers manager Pat Murphy aptly summed up his team’s upcoming task with Zack Wheeler on the mound Tuesday night.
“A huge task against ‘Rocket’ Wheeler,” Murphy said.
And how could his team remain unimpressed against one of the best players in the league?
“Hopefully he gets cramps,” joked Murphy.
This may have been the Brewers’ only chance against Wheeler, who threw seven dominant innings to lead the Philadelphia Phillies to a 5-1 victory at American Family Field and postpone the champagne celebration in the home locker room for at least another day.
RESULT: Phillies 5, Brewers 1
Wheeler threw seven innings of one run, managed strikeouts, and allowed just four hits and no walks, while Bryce Harper’s home run in the sixth inning made the difference.
Milwaukee’s magic number dropped to one after losing to the Chicago Cubs on Tuesday. The Brewers can clinch the division as early as Wednesday afternoon when the Cubs play at 1:20 p.m.
But the Phillies’ victory meant that the Brewers would not be popping any bottles for the time being.
Good news regarding injuries
Brewers relief pitcher Joel Payamps was held from Sunday’s game because of tightness in the forearm of his throwing arm and did not pitch Monday while the Brewers examined the injury.
After two straight days of successful, healthy catching, Payamps entered the game in the eighth inning on Tuesday and struck out the team – a welcome sign for Milwaukee considering his importance to the bullpen in October.
The third time Frankie Montas burns
Brewers starter Frankie Montas played effortlessly for five innings, managing eight strikeouts and allowing only one run, but his typical nemesis – in the third inning – did not let him go.
Montas, who began the day with an OPS of .826 against the third inning, allowed a leadoff infield hit by Kyle Schwarber before Bryce Harper hit a two-run homer to center to give the Phillies a 3-1 lead.
Montas was otherwise excellent, striking out 10 batters for the second time in his last three starts. He has struck out 28 batters in his last three starts.
Philadelphia later extended its lead with singles against relievers Aaron Ashby and Enoli Paredes.
Garrett Mitchell equalizes
When Garrett Mitchell shows flashes of his potential, it’s something special. And he’s been doing that quite often lately.
With a runner on first base and one out in the fourth inning, Mitchell ripped a two-strike fastball from Wheeler into the gap in right-center for a triple to tie the game.
Phillies take the lead with an early home run
Nick Castellanos scored the game’s first run, leading off the second inning with a deep solo home run against Montas, his 21st home run of the year. Montas began the inning with a sinker to the belt and Castellanos hit the ball 430 feet to center.
It was only the fourth home run Montas allowed for the Brewers, although Harper would hit his fifth home run a few innings later.
Brewers lineup
- Brice Turang 2B
- Jackson Chourio LF
- William Contreras C
- Garrett Mitchell CF
- Willy Adames SS
- Jake Bauer’s 1B
- Rhys Hoskins DH
- Sal Frelick RF
- Joey Ortiz 3B
- Frankie Montas SP
Phillies lineup
- Kyle Schwarber DH
- Trea Turner SS
- Bryce Harper1B
- Nick Castellanos RF
- Bryson Stott 2B
- JT Realmuto C
- Brandon Marsh LF
- Edmundo Sosa 3B
- Cal Stevenson CF
- Zack Wheeler SP
What is the Brewers’ record?
The Brewers are 87-63.
Is the roof of American Family Field open?
Yes.
Brewers Schedule
Brewers vs. Phillies, Wednesday, 6:40 p.m. Milwaukee RHP Freddy Peralta (11-8, 3.75) vs. Philadelphia RHP Aaron Nola (12-8, 3.62). TV – Bally Sports Wisconsin/MLB Network. Radio – AM-620.
