Brewer Daily News for July 30th: Attanasio gives back, Crew wins

Good morning everyone and welcome to the Tuesday edition of Brewer Daily News. In the aftermath of the suspension of Milwaukee Brewers’ left fielder Ryan Braun, the team’s owner Mark Attanasio has decided to give back to the fans. Secondly, last night the Brewers (44-61) shutout the Chicago Cubs (48-56) at Wrigley Field.

Fans will be able to redeem $10 worth of merchandise or food within August if they attend a home game. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports

With the $3.4 million left in Braun’s contract for the season, the Brewers decided to take the money and use it for the fans. Yesterday, Attanasio announced that the organization would be giving $10 vouchers to fans who come to home games in August.

“This has been a challenging season for all of us, but the one thing that has never wavered has been the tremendous support we have received from fans who love the Brewers,” Attanasio said. – via Brewers.com

Attanasio says that this is a way to “give back to the fans” with the news of the team’s biggest slugger being suspended for the rest of the season. However, the organization did note that they will continue to sell Braun jerseys in the team’s gift shop.

Last night the Brewers shutout the Cubs 5-0. Kyle Lohse took the hill for Milwaukee and did well, but did not receive a decision. Lohse pitched six scoreless innings while giving up six hits, three walks and struck out six. Brandon Kintzler pitched a perfect eighth while picking up his third win.

For the Cubs, Jeff Samardzija started and was efficient, but like Lohse, didn’t factor into a decision. Samardzija went seven scoreless innings while surrendering three hits, two walks and struck out seven. Pedro Strop gave up five runs in 1/3 of an inning pitched and received his first loss this season.

Offense wasn’t a factor in the game until the ninth inning when the Brew Crew exploded for five runs. Carlos Gomez started things with an RBI single to center that scored Jean Segura. After that, Jeff Bianchi hit a double scoring Jonathan Lucroy and Gomez. Rickie Weeks continued on with the hit parade as he hit a two-run double to right.

Today the Brewers will play a double-header against the Cubs. The first game begins at 2:20 p.m. ET / 1:20 p.m. CT with the projected starters being Yovani Gallardo (8-9, 4.88 ERA) for Milwaukee and Carlos Villanueva (2-7, 4.23 ERA) for Chicago.

In the second game, beginning at 8:05 p.m. ET / 7:05 p.m. CT, the projected starters are Tyler Thornburg (1-0, 2.95 ERA) for Milwaukee and Jake Arrieta (1-2, 7.23 ERA) for Chicago.