Ryan Braun hit his 5th HR of the season tonight - and paid a price for it. In Braun's very next AB, Jeff Karstens hit him square in the back. Braun subsequently took a bigger lead than normal from first (presumably to steal second base) and was picked off.
It reminded me of a similar play that involved my brother his senior year in high school. Zach (that's his name) was taking his lead off first in a playoff game and dove back on a pickoff attempt. He got back in plenty of time, but the first baseman gave him a hard tag. On the very next pitch, Zach informed the first baseman that he was "taking off." True to his word, he did take off and he stole second. I've always liked that story.
Back to the Brewers-Pirates game. Braun would eventually face John Grabow, but it was anticlimactic, as Braun was intentionally walked. Grabow's scoreless innings streak came to an end tonight. He gave up 2 runs in 1/3 of an inning of work. His ERA is now 1.74.
3 comments:
Have mixed feelings about what Karstens did. Did Braun pose after his homer? If not, then the plunking was probably called for. If Braun's action showed up the pitcher, then the plunking is justified. Depends on what happened I guess.
Uh...that should be uncalled for and not called for...
I'm not sure if Braun showed him up. But you're right. If he did, then he got what he deserved.
Post a Comment