Brewer Daily News for June 28th: Halton debuts, Cubs crush Crew

Good morning everyone and welcome to the Friday edition of Brewer Daily News. In yesterday’s game, Milwaukee Brewers’ first base prospect Sean Halton made his debut, becoming the seventh Brewer to do so this season. In the second bit of news, the Brewers (32-45) lost to the Chicago Cubs (33-44) yesterday afternoon.

Sean Halton may have a more extensive role in the infield if the Brewers trade some key players. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports

Halton, 26, made his major league debut yesterday when he was used as a pinch hitter for the pitcher’s spot. In his first major league at-bat in the fifth inning, Halton hit a single to left base, but was ultimately left on base when the Brewers failed to score that inning.

"“Every kid grows up wanting to fulfill their dreams and mine was to be a baseball player,” Halton said. “Today’s that day for me.” – via Brewers.com"

The move for Halton to be on the 25-man roster happened when the Brewers sent down utility player Scooter Gennett. In Triple-A Nashville this season, Halton was hitting .288/.338/.492 with nine home runs, 35 RBIs and scored 36 runs. He’ll look to play first base and the outfield off of the bench.

Yesterday, the Brewers suffered a 7-2 loss to the Cubs, losing the series. Wily Peralta started for Milwaukee and was absolutely lit up, receiving his ninth loss of the season. Peralta pitched five innings while giving up seven runs (only three were earned), eight hits, one walk and struck out two. The bullpen was solid, pitching four innings of shutout relief, allowing only one hit and two walks.

Matt Garza took the hill for the Cubs and looked strong, picking up his third win of 2013. Garza pitched seven innings of one-run ball on eight hits, one walk and struck out 10. Cubs’ reliever Blake Parker gave up one run in 1/3 of an inning pitched in the eighth.

Offensively, the team was held scoreless until the sixth inning when Logan Schafer hit a double scoring Jean Segura. In the eighth, Juan Francisco continued his home run trend as he hit a solo shot, giving the Brew Crew their second run. Overall the team left eight runners on base and were 1-for-7 with runners in scoring position.

Tonight the Brewers head to Pittsburgh to take on the Pirates in a three game series this weekend. The projected starters for tonight’s game, beginning at 7:05 p.m. ET / 6:05 p.m. CT, are Johnny Hellweg (0-0, 0.00 ERA) for Milwaukee and Gerrit Cole (3-0, 3.44 ERA) for Pittsburgh. Hellweg will be making his major league debut in tonight’s game.