Milwaukee Brewers: Oops, Ryan Braun Did It Again

I may have jumped the gun with my first official article. Ryan Braun has done it again, leading the Milwaukee Brewers to a game two victory against the St. Louis Cardinals.

Just after Ryan Braun hit a three-run homerun to lift the Milwaukee Brewers over the San Diego Padres, I wrote my first article for Reviewing the Brew. You can find the article here. I argued that the Brewers need to keep Ryan Braun in the lineup because of his bat. He is so lethal at the plate, especially in pressure situations.

The beginning of his 2018 campaign hasn’t translated much success at the plate, with the exception of two big hits. So far, he is 3 for 17 this season. That calculates to a whopping .176 average. But two of those hits have been crucial to two Brewer victories.

Against the Padres

The first big hit came in San Diego. It served as a reminder to fans that Ryan Braun is the real deal. With an 0-2 count, he blasted a three-run homerun in the top of the ninth, lifting the Crew over the Padres.

Some were skeptical of his move to first, but it makes perfect sense. With all of the young talent in the outfield, it makes sense for the aging superstar to be at a less demanding position. He has big play potential, especially in crunch time situations.

Against the Cardinals

The Milwaukee Brewers were down to their last strike. With a 2-2 count, Christian Yelich went yard, keeping the Brewers alive. Yelich opened the door for Braun to be the hero once again.

And he lived up to the expectation.

On the first pitch Dominic Leone dealt, Braun sent a solo shot to left center. He is now 4-for-4 against Leone in his career, totalling 3 homeruns and 7 RBIs.

It also was his first walk-off homerun since he sent one over the fence to beat the Colorado Rockies in the 11th inning in 2011.

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His heroics against the Cardinals are further proof that he belongs in the lineup. Yes, his batting average may not look the best to begin the 2018 season. But, his big play potential at the plate, combined with his leadership, are reason enough to keep him in the lineup.