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INSIDE PITCH PLAYER OF THE GAME Though the Brewers lost, 6-5, by surrendering six runs in theninth inning, shortstop J.J. Hardy had another marvelous game toextend his hitting streak to 15 games. Hardy doubled twice, homeredand singled and might have had a shot at the cycle if not for afabulous running catch by centerfielder Chris Young in the sixthinning.
TURNING POINT Given a five-run lead in the ninth inning, Brewers relieverGuillermo Mota retired none of the three hitters he faced,surrendering two infield hits and a walk. There was talk that Motahad tough luck but these are his numbers over his last 10 outings: 0-2, 10.80 earned run average, 8 1/3 innings pitched, 14 hits, fourwalks and 10 earned runs.
BEHIND THE BOX SCORE
- Russell Branyan committed his first error at third base in 31games since coming up from the minors when he booted Young's leadoffgrounder in the bottom of the second.
- You won't find a better matchup of defensive centerfielders inthe NL than Milwaukee's Mike Cameron and Arizona's Young, both ofwhom made fabulous running catches in the sixth inning. Young robbedHardy of his fourth extra-base hit of the game by going far intoright-center, and Cameron did likewise on a shot by Robby Hammock.
CLUBHOUSE CONFIDENTIAL Before the game, manager Ned Yost said pitching coach Mike Madduxmight have picked up something in watching video of Mota's outingTuesday night in which every batter crushed the ball. Maddux said hethought Mota might be tipping his pitches, a subject that came up inspring training. "Mike saw something," Yost said. "It could be assimple as (tipping pitches). But, to me, you very seldom catch a guytipping his pitches." Whatever was found was of no help to Mota.
STATITUDES
- Branyan stole his first base of the season and Jason Kendallswiped his sixth, giving the Brewers a streak of 10 in a row. Theyhave been successful in 36 of their last 40 attempts (90%).
- Brewers rightfielder Corey Hart had his team-high 29th multi-hit game of the year.
- The Brewers were 1 for 14 with runners in scoring position inthe series finale and 8 for 40 in the four games against Arizona.
- The Brewers are 38-3 when leading after eight innings.
RECORD THIS YEAR: 46-39
ON PACE FOR: 88-74
