On their way from Oklahoma to the west coast, the Brewers stop over in Denver for a 3-game series against the Charlotte Sting.
The first game of the series looks like a pitcher's duel for the first 4 innings between Denver captain Matt Helm and Charlotte's Mike Hiatt, of 2 no-hitter including one perfect game fame. But then things fell apart for Helm in the 5th inning and the Sting scored 6 runs. Now in defense of Helm he was let down by, well, the Denver defense, as a 1-out error by second baseman Jonathan Koch led to all but 1 of the runs being unearned. The Brewers got 3 runs back in the bottom of the frame but ultimately fell short and lost 10-7. Helm now has a record of 1-1 but still with a sterling ERA of 0.44. Jordan Stephens had his first rough outing of the season, giving up 4 runs (3 earned) in his 3 1/3rd innings pitched. Andrew Kennedy (.404/.436/.538) had a great game in the loss, going 3 for 5, hitting his 4th double and 1st HR of the season and driving in 3 runs. he also threw a runner out at home plate from his spot in left field. Mike Foster (.400/.481/.667) also went 3 for 4 and hit 2 doubles to get to 4 on the season.
In an unlikely turn of events, the Brewers plate 4 runs in the 7th inning of game 2 off the normally dominant Jamel McNeil and go on to win 8-5. The big hit in the inning was a Mike Foster (.388/.464/.694) 2-out, 2-run HR, his team-leading 3rd HR of the 1974 season. Harry Lyerly got the start, and the win, for the Brewers. While Lyerly was still not sharp- he gave up 3 HR's- he did seem to get stronger as the game progressed and showed signs of his old self, striking out 7 and walking just 1 in his 8 innings pitched. He improves to 1-2 with an 8.10 ERA. Jaden Francis pitches a perfect 9th to get his 2nd save (0.00 ERA.) Joe McPhillips (.276/.333/.483) went 2 for 4 with 2 runs scored and a RBI.
The Brewers get a narrow game 3 victory to take another series. Cheol-han Lee uncharacteristically gave up 2 HR's but held on to get the complete game victory. He allowed 3 runs on 7 hits, striking out 3 and walking none, and improves to 3-0 with a 2.17 ERA. Joe McPhillips (.283/.358/.533) went 1 for 2 with 2 walks and hit his 3rd HR of the season, driving in 2 runs to lead the offense. Andrew Kennedy (.383/.413/.533) also chipped in with a 2 for 4, 2 double (6) game.
Charlotte's Bill Burkart, the hero for the Sting in game 1, is an interesting story. He's been knocking around the Washington farm system for the past 9 years without even a cup of coffee at the WPK level. The past 3 seasons he has dominated AAA pitching. Then his big break came when he was left unprotected this off-season and the Sting picked him in the Rule 5 draft. While the 27-year old Burkart doesn't look like a star, he is a valuable building block for a rebuilding team like the Sting and provides both a solid bat and a great intensity and focus. This looks like a shrewd move by the Charlotte front office.
With the series win the Brewers improve to a fine 11-5 and lead the Brooklyn Aces (11-6) by a half a game and L.A. (10-7) by a game and a half.