Yovani Gallardo pitched a gem on Saturday night, giving up just one run in eight innings as the Milwaukee Brewers put away the Arizona Diamondbacks, 4-1. The Diamondbacks were never able to mount a serious offensive charge as Gallardo dominated, powering Milwaukee to a 1-0 series advantage in its NLDS matchup.
Below are a few of the highlights from the live-blog, which you can read in its entirety here.
In the first, Willie Bloomquist nearly notched the first run of the game, almost single-handedly manufacturing a run. He singled, stole second, then looked primed to come around for the first run of the game on a Justin Upton single. But Ryan Braun had other ideas, and threw Bloomquist out at the plate to end the threat.
So to recap: Willie Bloomquist got on base, but he was cut down when Ryan Braun made a good defensive play. Seems fair, universe. Keep it up.
As Rob Neyer noted, this at-bat, which came against Chris Young in the third, sums up Gallardo's day nicely. Everything was low and away, and Gallardo spent the afternoon hitting his spots throughout.
In the fourth, Milwaukee broke the scoreless tie, but probably should have come away with more than just one run. The Brewers loaded the bases without nobody out, but faltered, only plating one run on a sacrifice fly.
Prince Fielder's at-bat was more Wee Willie Keeler than Willie Stargell -- a cue shot just past the third baseman down the left-field line. Ian Kennedy hit Rickie Weeks with a pitch, and there the Brewers went! Bases loaded, no outs. They were off!
... and they picked up a sacrifice fly. That was it.
Milwaukee added another run in the sixth to take a 2-0 lead, and Grant Brisbee may have an idea how the Brewers accomplished such a feat.
And now ...
... there are ...
... shadows with which to contend!!!!! Right on the field! Shadows! Maybe the announcers should bring that up. It probably makes for tough hitting conditions.
An inning later, the Brewers added two more runs, giving themselves a bit more breathing room. It wouldn't be needed, though, as Gallardo turned in a gem, power Milwaukee to a 4-1 series-opening win -- Arizona's only run came on a solo shot in the eighth. With the win, the Brewers took a 1-0 series advantage, hopping into the driver's seat to open the series.
For more from the game, check out the rest of the live-blog.