Brewer Daily News for August 17th: Braun to admit, Crew rallies

Good morning everyone and welcome to the Saturday edition of Brewer Daily News. Yesterday news came out that Milwaukee Brewers’ suspended left-fielder Ryan Braun will formally announce his usage of performance-enhancing drugs. In the second bit of news, last night the Brewers (53-69) beat the Cincinnati Reds (69-53) on a walk-off.

Many fans remain divided on the Ryan Braun situation. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-USA TODAY Sports

On July 22nd, Braun, 29, was suspended by Major League Baseball for the Biogenesis scandal and for violating the league’s drug policy. Braun is currently suspended for the rest of the 2013 season, without pay, and the postseason, should the Brewers make some miraculous run.

In an article by the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, it’s been speculated that Braun will release a statement soon about his involvement with PEDs, but the exact timing is unknown though some signs point to this Monday. It is also unknown what exactly Braun might say during his announcement. During this season, Braun hit .298 with nine homers, 38 RBIs and scored 30 runs.

Last night, the Brewers beat the Reds 7-6. Tom Gorzelanny started for Milwaukee and received a no-decision. Gorzelanny only lasted 4 2/3 innings while giving up five runs on six hits, three walks and struck out five.

Rookie reliever Rob Wooten gave up a run in one inning of work, the first run given up of his career. John Axford would pick up his sixth win as he pitched a scoreless top of the ninth.

For the Reds, Mike Leake took the mound and also did not receive a decision. Leake pitched five innings and surrendered four runs on nine hits, two walks and struck out three. Reds’ reliever Alfredo Simon gave up one run in 1 1/3 innings while Aroldis Chapman got tagged with his fifth loss and fifth blown save.

Juan Francisco got the Brew Crew’s offense rolling in the second inning when he hit a solo home run, his 18th. In the third inning, Jonathan Lucroy hit an RBI single followed by Khris Davis who drove in two runs with a double. Jean Segura contributed to the offense in sixth with a single that scored Logan Schafer. However, Lucroy would become the hero in the bottom of the ninth when he slugged a two-run walk-off homer.

Tonight the two teams will play in game three of the four game set at 7:10 p.m. ET / 6:10 p.m. CT. The projected starters are Mat Latos (12-3, 3.04 ERA) for Cincinnati and Yovani Gallardo (8-9, 4.91 ERA) for Milwaukee.