MILWAUKEE -- Craig Counsell called it "fun with numbers," the fact the 12-11 Brewers have led at some point in 21 of their first 23 games. His club has been no fun for opposing pitchers, particularly in the first inning.
With five more runs in the opening inning of Wednesday's 9-4 win over the Reds, the Brewers have outscored opponents, 27-8, in first innings this season. The Rays, who were scheduled to play later in the day at Baltimore, were second with 25 runs in the first inning.
"You see D.C. [hitting coach Darnell Coles] walking around, he's pumped," said Eric Thames, who singled and scored amid that opening rally. "He gets the scouting reports and helps us out so much. Everybody is getting hot right now."
After sending 10 men to the plate against 23-year-old Reds right-hander Rookie Davis, the Brewers were batting .363 (37-for-102) with 12 doubles, a triple, seven homers, 27 RBIs and 14 walks in the first inning, making it their most productive frame this season. They have scored 20 times in the third.
"I just didn't feel in sync mechanically. It was just one of those days," said Davis. "It's going to happen."
Sure, it is a bit of fun with numbers. But on a day like Wednesday, against a young pitcher like Davis, Counsell saw some significance.
"On a day like today when you have a young pitcher on the mound for the other team, I think it is an important statement you can make to them where they just never get comfortable," Counsell said. "They just are not allowed to get into a game. We did a great job. Our first eight guys had very productive at-bats, quality at-bats and did something positive with each at-bat. It is good to see.
"We've done a nice job of that against some young starting pitchers and some good starting pitchers, too. It is obviously a good formula for success."