[BirdWatcher]

Week-in-Review: August 22nd- August 28th, 1966
The Brewers break even during the week, losing 2 of 3 to the San Francisco Velocity and then winning 2 of 3 against the Brooklyn Aces (all at home.) It was an interesting week as the Brewers got very little offense in the series against San Francisco, winning by 1-0 score, losing 2-0 the following day, and dropping the third game 6-2. Then the got great offense in the series against the Aces and nearly had a 3-game sweep as they were leading in the middle-game of the series 9-6 going into the 9th inning only to see the bullpen blow the lead and the Brewers fall 10-9. In the two wins against Brooklyn the scores were 12-4 and 10-0.

Who's Hoppy? Two starting pitchers had great games this week: Steve Alonso (14-6, 2.57) started the week with a 2-hit, CG shutout of San Francisco in the 1-0 win. Alonso struck out 6 (154) and walked 3 (46). In spite of often pitching poorly in the past month, Alonso has now earned wins in his last 5 starts. Joey Brown (9-7, 3.61) pitched the last game of the week and outdid Alonso, as he pitched a CG, 1-hit shutout, walking only 1 batter (34) while striking out 8 (75) in a 10-0 Brewers victory. Many Brewers hitters had fine weeks at the plate, especially in the last 3 games, but Antonio Puente (.277/.372/.529, 5.3 WAR) continues to be the team MVP. He had a solid 6 for 19 week, scoring 1 run (66), driving in 5 (82), hitting his 26th and 27th HR's, while walking twice (64) and striking out once (87.)

Who's Hungover? Not much to report here this week, but Alex Burley (8-12, 3.01), who has been the Brewer's ace much of the season, did have his worst start of the season, lasting just 4 1/3rd innings, allowing 6 runs, all earned, on 9 hits, 1 walk, and 2 strikeouts. Burley allowed 2 HR's in the game. The bullpen, ranked last in the MGL, also continued to struggle, pitching 8 innings, allowing 6 runs (all earned) on 5 hits and 6 walks, giving up 2 HR's, while also striking out 9 batters. Of the pitchers currently in the bullpen, only Armando Cruz (4-1, 7 saves, 2.50 ERA) has an ERA under 4.50.

What's Brewing Around the League? The Jacksonville Wolf Pack are again on a rampage, winning 9 of their last 10 and at 83-50 they now have an 8-game lead over their nearest competitors (Columbus, 76-59.) Pittsburgh (72-60) and Washington (73-61) are each 10 1/2 games behind the leaders. In the Moonlight Graham League, L.A. maintains their dominance at 84-48, which puts them 4 1/2 games ahead of Portland (79-52) and 10 games ahead of Baltimore (73-57.) Travis Johnson of the Jacksonville club is now hitting .408 for the season!

The Streak Souffront Saga: Ruben (.231/.261/.325, -0.8 WAR) was a bit better this week at the plate, getting 4 hits in 14 AB's, scoring once (22), drawing one base on balls (11) while striking out 4 times (58.)

Brewer's Power Ranking: #13 (#1 JAC, #2 L.A., #3 POR, #4 COL, #5 BAL)
Brewer's Record: 61-71, .462, 7th place in the MGL, 23 gb L.A.