I love the Brewers, and an extra chance to see them play in Chicago? That was a no-brainer. I had to go. So, wearing their Central Division Championship t-shirt that I bought at Miller Park after watching them clinch their division, I went! And met some White Sox players.
Here I am with Jordan Danks, younger brother of White Sox pitcher John Danks.
Here you see the elusive John Axford. I know this is a creeper photo, but I just want to meet him so much!
Here I am with Brewers relief pitcher Kameron Loe. He's always super nice. Francisco, the security guy, asked him if he needed directions to the clubhouse. "Nah, I've been here before when I played for the Rangers," he said.
You'll notice the enormous sign in the photo. A representative for the Brewers gave it to me. It says "Vote Braun" for the All-Star game. It was awesome and I was hated by everyone at The Cell for having it.
Here is my first glimpse of Ryan. U.S. Cellular Field is so much better as far as meeting the visiting team. I came running down the steps toward the players and when I got closer, I yelled, "Ryan!" And he turned around and waved.
I showed him my sign and said, "I vote for you the maximum amounts per day!" and he put his fist in the air.
I said, "Can you come over for a quick photo when you're done?"
He said, "Of course!" Players say stuff like that all the time, so you never know when they're telling the truth, but I held out hope.
Here's Zack Greinke. He never promises to come over. I have seen him sign one time in eight million Brewers games. That's fine. I don't think the players owe us anything. I think it's awesome if they do sign and it tends to make me like them more and go to more games, but as long as they aren't rude, I am fine with them.
Here's Corey Hary and Taylor Green, two Brewers I enjoy.
Oh, and guess who came over. He signed for a couple kids, took a picture with me and waited to make sure it came out, then left. I had met him the year before at Wrigley, but I was so starstruck and speechless that it was an embarrassing blur. This time was way better.
Jonathan Lucroy had just had surgery. Everyone was asking for autographs but he couldn't sign because of his hand. I said, "I don't need an autograph--I just want a picture!"
He said, "Of course!" He is also a great guy.
Nyger Morgan came over to sign then. I had heard he was kind of a jerk, but I found him precious. I regret not asking for a photo.
Starting lineups.
I want to steal that helmet but I won't.
It was mullet night at the Cell.
Here's Robin Ventura congratulating someone on getting the chance to meet him.
Nate Jones and Addison Reed, two young and awesome pitchers.
Sarah Kustok is so beautiful and kind.
Yes.
Warming up with Dayan Viciedo.
Ne-Yo throwing out the first pitch.
Wrestler Shawn Michaels also threw out a pitch.
Chris Sale and A.J. doing the walk of intimidation.
Chris Sale was absolutely fantastic.
Ryan Braun is always fantastic.
He walked.
Aramis Ramirez
Still getting used to seeing Corey Hart at first base. But he's a natural.
Zack Greinke was also amazing. It was a great pitching duel, one of the best I've ever seen.
Adam Dunn walked.
Second inning, more of the same no-hits. Corey Hart lined out.
Robin Ventura stays calm and cool always.
Here's Ryan Braun being a beast in left field. The usual.
Top of the third, Martin Maldonado singled. But that was all for that inning.
I love that the White Sox have a hero of the game, and I always love when it's a Marine.
Ryan Braun gets on base with a single in the fourth
Gordon Beckham grounded out.
It looked like the Brewers were poised to score in the top of the fifth. Rickie Weeks doubled with with one out, then got to third on a wild pitch.
But Sale got out of it by striking out the next two batters.
Alex Rios singled to start the bottom of the fifth, but that ended in a double play.
Mullets danced for D Burger
Alexei Ramirez couldn't get it going in the sixth.
Aramis Ramirez doubled in the seventh with one out. But he was stranded.
Some trivia for you.
Even Southpaw had a sweet mullet.
Gordon Beckham singled to start off the seventh. He was out on a Paul Konerko double-play grounder.
The Sox tried again in the bottom of the eighth when Pierzynski singled.
Ventura pulled out all the stops, sending Jordan Danks in to run for AJ.
But Viciedo hit into a double play to end the inning.
After pitching eight great innings, Chris Sale departed, making room for Addison Reed.
Tyler Flowers and Addison pitched a flawless ninth.
He even struck out Brauny.
What a great game. Chris Sale allowed four hits, Zack Greinke allowed three. Going into the bottom of the ninth, could the Sox pull it off?
It was a nail-biter for sure, as it always is for Ryan.
Jesse Crain came in to pitch the tenth.
Ramirez started it off with another double.
Nyger Morgan came in to run for Aramis.
Crain struck out Corey Hart, but Nyger got to third on a wild pitch.
Rickie Weeks singled, driving in Morgan.
Lucroy was enjoying himself.
John Axford was warming up in the bullpen, ready to come in for the save.
Taylor Green was the new Ramirez.
Here's Johnnny!
Nyger Morgan was also proud of himself.
John Axford was a stud, as usual.
He did walk Beckham but that was it.
Watching the Brewers win 1-0 was secondary to how awesome it was to watch two great pitchers battle it out.
All of my photos from this game can be found at http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10150911492313786.418042.511233785&type=3
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