Brewer Daily News for September 12th: Axford speaks, Crew falls again

Good morning everyone and welcome to the Thursday edition of Brewer Daily News. Since his trade from the Milwaukee Brewers to the division rival St. Louis Cardinals, reliever John Axford talked about his time spent in the majors so far. In the second bit of news, last night the Brewers (62-82) lost once again to the Cardinals (85-60).

John Axford will have a shot at the postseason once again. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports

Axford, 30, was traded to the Cardinals on August 30 for reliever Michael Blazek. Since the trade, Axford has only had six appearances in which he’s given up three runs (two earned) in 4.2 innings of work while striking out five and walking one.

"“It has been different, but it’s definitely good,” Axford said. “I think I like that, also, that you get a different change of scenery and get to experience things a little differently, when things are done a little bit differently.” – via Brewers.com"

The Brewers had been looking at trading a reliever and with Axford already a non-tender candidate in the upcoming off-season, he was the prime target. The Cardinals haven’t announced whether or not they’ll extend Axford for 2014.

Last night the Brewers suffered a 5-1 loss to the Cardinals. Marco Estrada took the mound for Milwaukee and had a no-hitter going into the sixth, but received a no-decision. Estrada pitched well, going 6 2/3 innings and only gave up one run on two hits, three walks and struck out six.

Out of the bullpen, Brandon Kintzler was hit hard in only 2/3 of an inning, allowing three runs and picking up his second loss. Mike Gonzalez gave up one run in 2/3 of an inning in the eighth.

For the Cardinals, Lance Lynn started and performed well, but also did not factor into a decision. Lynn went six innings and surrendered one unearned run on five hits, two walks and struck out 10. Reliever Trevor Rosenthal acquired his second win by pitching a scoreless eighth inning.

The Brewers’ only run came in the second inning when Carlos Gomez scored on a throwing error by catcher Tony Cruz as a part of a double-steal attempt. Norichika Aoki and Scooter Gennett both had two hits each while the team was overall 0-for-7 with runners in scoring position.

Tonight the Brewers will try to avoid getting swept in the final game against the Cardinals at 8:15 p.m. ET / 7:15 p.m. CT. The projected starters are Tyler Thornburg (1-1, 2.08 ERA) for Milwaukee and Joe Kelly (8-3, 2.74 ERA) for St. Louis.