Michael Blazek Keeps Cool in Game 8 of the Cactus League

Last August the Brewers shut down relief pitcher Michael Blazek after he broke a bone in his pitching hand. Last Saturday saw the return of Blazek to the Brewers where it was quite obvious he had jitters. Blazek faced four batters in which Blazek allowed three hits and walked one. Today’s game was a different story for Blazek, as he posted a scoreless inning for the Cactus Crew. Despite the Brewers loss Michael Blazek keeps cool in game eight of the cactus league.

Blazek knew that he had the jitters even telling reporters “It had been so long since I had been on a mound and faced hitters in a game,” said Blazek, “I wasn’t focusing on my game plan and the way I normally pitch.”.

On Blazek, Skipper Craig Counsell had this to say “He’s going to be an important piece in our bullpen,” said Counsell. “He can go multiple innings; he’s durable. He stabilized the middle of the games for us. Sometimes, that’s an underrated role.” he told reporters in the post-game presser.

For the second straight day, the starting pitcher found himself roughed up. This time, it was Wily Peralta’s turn as he allowed six hits, three runs and walked a batter in 1 2/3 inning of work against the Royals throwing 43 pitchers. Peralta looked to have a strong start retiring the first two batters he faced, but then gave up three consecutive hits and finally a two-run double would end his day. The Brewers have now allowed 25 runs in the last three days bringing their Cactus League record to 4-3-1.  On the offensive side, Hernan Perez homered, and Chris Carter had a two-run double for the Cactus Crew.

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The Brewers face the Giants tomorrow in Maryvale with Jimmy Nelson taking the mound and Jonathan Lucroy returns to the lineup after missing two days with food poisoning. Nelson had a strong Cactus League debut last week and hoped to continue from that and snap the current losing streak the Brewers are going, though. The Brewers sit at 0-0 on the season and have their World Series hopes plenty alive.