Brewer Daily News for April 2nd: Brewers win late, bullpen strong

Good morning everyone and welcome to another edition of Brewer Daily News. This Tuesday morning, the Milwaukee Brewers are relishing in their win in yesterday’s Opening Day game. Jonathan Lucroy came up big in the 10th inning to bring the team to victory. Also in the win yesterday, the bullpen looked sharp after a five inning start from Yovani Gallardo.

Jonathan Lucroy came up in the clutch yesterday. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA Today Sports

The Brewers trailed early in the game yesterday to the Colorado Rockies, but eventually were able to mount a come back. A three-run bottom of the 8th started off by Norichika Aoki and Rickie Weeks getting on base followed by Ryan Braun and Aramis Ramirez hitting them in.

The game looked sealed at that point with John Axford on the mound in the top of the 9th, but he gave up a solo home run to Dexter Fowler. In the bottom of the 10th with the bases loaded and one out, Lucroy hit a sacrifice fly to score Weeks and win the game. Jim Henderson would get the win and Adam Ottavino would get the loss.

"“We lost quite a few games like this last year,” Braun said. “So I think it’s a great sign that we were able to win a game like this, this year. I think that will be encouraging for all of us moving forward.” – via Brewers.com"

With the Brewers taking the first game of the season, they’ll hopefully try to build on the momentum from the end of last season.

In the second bit of news today, Gallardo only lasted five innings yesterday, but did a fine job. After his exit, the newly formed bullpen got their shot. Alfredo Figaro, who made the 25-man roster in the last few days of Spring Training, pitched two scoreless innings and allowed one hit while striking out two. Burke Badenhop would come in after Figardo and pitched a perfect 8th while striking out two.

Axford came in for the save and ended up giving up the game tying home run instead, leading to his first blown save of 2013. Henderson would come in to pitch a perfect 10th and struck out one while acquiring his first win of the season.

Tonight Marco Estrada will take the mound for Milwaukee to face Colorado’s Jorge De La Rosa at 8:10 p.m. EST / 7:10 p.m. CST.