Brewers Defeat Defending Champs: It's Not Revenge But It Sure Is Sweet

Nothing the Brewers do to the Phillies this, or any other year, could quite make up for the four-game beat down last September or the ousting from the playoffs in four games. But seeing Braden Looper and Dave Bush pitch gems while Ryan Braun and Prince Fielder finally get a clue at the plate sure does leave a warm feeling in the heart. 

The Brewers finally won a series and put together back-to-back wins for the first time this season. Dave Bush flirted with a no-hitter and continued to look rock solid in the Brewers rotation.

He has come a long way from being the laughing stock of the rotation to a pitcher the players and fans can count on every five days to pitch a quality game to give the Brewers a legitimate shot at picking up a victory.

It has been a rough start to the year for the Brewers. Taking two-of-three from the World Series champs can only enhance the confidence building with this team. 

The starters seem to be in a groove of pitching quality starts. The bullpen closed out the last two games and Trevor Hoffman should be back very soon to solidify the back end of the bullpen. Todd Coffey can slide into the eighth inning role and Carlos Villanueva and Mark DeFelice will then be able to pitch the middle innings. 

Ryan Braun has magically found his swing and looks as good at the plate as he ever has. He called the rest of the team out after the 11-4 loss on Tuesday and has backed up the talk with great play since. 

Although Prince Fielder is still batting under .200, he is getting on base and finally came through with the bases loaded against the Phillies. I expect Prince to catch fire against the Astros this weekend and put the early season slump behind him.

The Brewers will have Yovani Gallardo, Jeff Suppan, and Manny Parra going this weekend. Hopefully Yo and Soup can continue the recent trend of good outings by the starters and Manny Parra can finally pitch like he belongs in the majors.

I fully expect the Brewers to take two-of-three from the Astros and return to Miller Park with a winning road trip of 5-4.