There are some days when you’re a baseball fan where the other guys have to be the difference. The manager makes a decision to give their stars the day off. This is one of those examples where Craig Counsell relied on the other guys. Milwaukee Brewers clinched a playoff spot on Wednesday night, therefore, the other guys stepped in against Cincinnati on Thursday morning. It would not be easy seeing as they were facing Luis Castillo, but like the Brewers have all September, they found a way to win.

Player of the Game: Chase Anderson – This isn’t a great game by Chase, but it is exactly what you needed from him on Thursday. You’re headed to Colorado where things can get weird with the pitching staff, and you needed a good start from Anderson. He pitched five innings with one hiccup, a home run against Aristides Aquino, but that was it. Anderson did his job yesterday.

Honorable Mention: Orlando Arcia – Part of me feels like it’s weird to give him credit for his three-run double that changed the game. If we’re not being cynical, Arica made contact against Castillo and put pressure on the left fielder who couldn’t make the grab. Arica also made a nice stab at shortstop to end an inning for the Brewers. Arcia has a major maturity issue which is another story for another time, but he does tend to dial in around playoff time.

One Thing That Cracked Me Up – Eric Thames left the game in the second inning with quote ‘bi-lateral hamstring tightness.’ This is an amazing way to say that Thames was dehydrated from drinking too many Miller Lites and champagnes on Wednesday. Next time I have a hangover, I’m going to let people know that I’m dealing with bi-lateral hamstring tightness.

Next up: Brewers wrap up their year in Denver. They’re one game back of the St. Louis Cardinals who are playing a lifeless Chicago Cubs team. Coors Field is always weird, but the Rockies have been unable to pitch this season. The Crew sends Zach Davies to the mound while the Rockies send gas can specialist Chi Chi Gonzalez. This should be a wild one.