John Axford shines as Milwaukee Brewers defeat Chicago Cubs 3-2 – MLB Update
John Axford had his 25th consecutive save on Tuesday, July 26, to help the Milwaukee Brewers beat Chicago Cubs 3-2 at Miller Park.
"It's pretty cool," Axford said. "That's more a testament to the team than anything else. I put myself into some sticky situations during this run and to have the closer's job is to close every game and get us the win. That's the most important thing."
Axford won kudos for his exhilarating performance from his fans and critics alike.
"His personality, I think, allows him to really do any role I ask him to do," Roenicke said. "He has a different personality than most closers. I love his personality. Most closers are locked in and serious, kind of macho kinda guy."
Aramis Ramirez went for a two-run homer for the Cubs in the very start of the game when Chris Narveson came to pitch as the Brewers’ starter. The two-hit and two-run first inning was supposed to give the Cubs an early lead.
However, Ryan Braun was quick to respond to the Cubs’ offensive moves. Braun was able to get a double to right to get the team’s first run followed by Casey McGehee two-run triple that gave the Brewers a lead that they would defend with the help of an ever
aggressive starter.
Narveson then pitched strong innings to maintain the lead given by Ryan Dempster’s fastballs. Both starters pitched innings with rapid pace to contain the respective offence.
Having played 21 games this season, Narveson has pitched 120.1 innings, giving up 126 hits and 60 runs with 1.41 WHIP and 4.41 ERA. He has played 84 games so far with 344.1 pitched, having given up 349 hits with a 4.63 ERA.
After the sixth inning when LaTroy Hawkins replaced Narveson, the Milwaukee relievers went stronger against the Cubs to maintain the lead. The strategy worked out well, as Francisco Rodriguez pitched the out eight to bring in Axford as the closer.
Axford was in no mood to disappoint his fans and shatter the confidence reposed in him by the team. He went ahead with his fastballs that threw the Cubs’ offence into complete confusion.
Having converted 52 of 57 opportunities for the Brewers, Axford sent the hitters home with the pitches that he tossed, turning the 3-2 lead of his team into victory. This spell of pitching could not be more auspicious given it was the first of three-game
series.
The Brewers put in an amazing performance as they managed to restrict the Cubs’ offence. Chicago will be looking to improve their performance in their next match-up. It will be interesting to see how the Brewers carry their confidence into the next game.
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