Milwaukee Brewers enjoyed some special games this season already, and they nearly added to it on Sunday. Milwaukee trailed by five runs in the ninth inning as the Philadelphia Phillies kept tacking on runs. They were up 10-5, but the Brewers do not quit. Jesus Aguilar belted a home run to start off the ninth. Then Milwaukee put two runners on, and Eric Thames slugged his second home run of the day making it 10-9. But the miracle would fall short as Christian Yelich’s deep fly to center was caught by Obdul Herrera. Tough way to lose, but Milwaukee has no one to blame but themselves. Brewers left 13 men in scoring position, and Craig Counsell got too cute with his bullpen.

Player of the Game: Maikel Franco – As noted by Adam McCalvy, he will be inducted into the Brewers Killers Hall of Fame. Franco had another huge game versus Milwaukee with four RBIs including a two-run blast. Franco drove in two runs after Milwaukee cut the lead to 6-5. He’s a polarizing ballplayer. I do think Franco will be a stud for this team for years to come if he gets his head on straight.

Silver Star: Eric Thames – Let’s see if he can get rolling for a little bit. Thames hit two homers in this game. One off Aaron Nola who has been goddamn unhittable this year. The other came in a clutch moment in the ninth. We know that he can hit homers in bunches, and PNC Park is not too big for him. We’ll see if the Brewers get more chances at the plate in Pittsburgh. You have to imagine this is where it gets tough for the Brewers. Maybe it means a day off for Christian Yelich, and Braun goes out to right field with Thames in left then Jesus Aguilar at first.

Honorable Mention: Jesus Aguilar – As previously mentioned, he had himself a good day at the plate as well. Aguilar went 3-for-5 with a home run and two RBis. He drove in the game-tying run when Milwaukee made it a 4-4 ballgame in the fifth. The Crew chased Nola before the fifth and still lost. That hurts. You’re going to wonder about this one for awhile as a fan especially in an NL Central race that’s tighter than a husky boy trying on Abercrombie and Fitch.

Next up: Milwaukee heads to Pittsburgh where the Pirates won three of four versus Cincinnati over the weekend. Brewers will send Jhouyls Chacin to the mound who has been a phenomenal pitcher for this club. Buccos will send Trevor Williams. He’s been very bad over his last four starts. Williams is giving up a lot to both sides of the plate. We’ll see if Milwaukee can take advantage. PNC Park was a nightmare for Milwaukee last year going 3-7 overall.

Charlie.