K-Rod lights up radar gun in Friday's save

MILWAUKEE -- All was good for Francisco Rodriguez following Friday's save against the Marlins at Miller Park. The right-handed closer improved to a perfect 10-for-10 in save opportunities this season and hit 94 mph on the radar gun, a sight rarely seen this season.

"I saw that," Brewers manager Ron Roenicke said. "He's been pitching mostly 92s before that, and he'll hit 93. Yeah, hopefully he's fresh and we'll see what we have."

Rodriguez, who is on a one-year contract and may be the Brewers' best chip ahead of the July 31 non-waiver Trade Deadline, said he feels the best he has all season.

"No doubt about it," Rodriguez said. "I'm feeling pretty strong as far as physically. I feel the ball is coming out of my hand pretty well and the command's been really a key factor of the success. Hopefully, it can continue."

The Brewers signed Francisco to a Minor League contract on April 17 and promoted him to the big leagues on May 16. He won the closer's job from Jim Henderson in late June and said the lack of a Spring Training this year may have been a blessing in disguise.

"Of course. It definitely is," Rodriguez said. "A lot of hard work has been put into it and the ending result is paid off. It's still a long way to go, but I feel pretty good. I've been feeling a lot stronger and hopefully that's a good sign."

Rodriguez entered Saturday with a 1.14 ERA in 23 2/3 innings, while striking out 26 and walking eight.