Brewers lose their eighth in a row as Hoffman blows another save

• Milwaukee Brewers

"WI Sports" brewers cardinals

Talk about it

CINCINNATI - Milwaukee Brewers’ manager Ken Macha says he’ll talk to pitching coach Rick Peterson about the possibility of replacing closer Trevor Hoffman.

That’s after the all-time saves leader blew a two-run lead in the ninth inning yesterday, as the Brewers fell at Cincinnati 5-to-4 for their eighth straight loss.

Macha said quote, “You’ve got to get 27 outs, not 24.” And he said the entire bullpen has been at fault for blowing games. The 42-year-old Hoffman did not retire a batter as he gave up a single, a two-run homer to Scott Rolen, a double, a walk, and a single by Joey Votto which gave the Reds their ninth victory in 10 games.

Cincy remains in first in the National League Central by a half-game over Saint Louis. The Brewers are second-to-last, ahead of only Houston by two games. Hoffman blew his fifth save of the season – one more than all of last year. The loss dropped him to 1-3, and his ERA grew to 13.15.

Hoffman said he couldn’t analyze it – and if he could find an answer, he would have done so by now. But Hoffman said he can’t worry about losing his closer’s role. Besides, the Brewers might not have a choice since their only other reliever with closing experience – LaTroy Hawkins – is on the disabled list with shoulder problems.

Yesterday’s loss also ruined the Brewers’ debut of right-hander Marco Estrada, who was called up from Triple-“A” as outfielder Jim Edmonds went on the D-L with side pains. Estrada retired his first nine batters and gave up a run on two hits – and he would have gotten his first Major League win had the Brewers not blown their ninth-inning lead.

They’ll open a two-game series in Pittsburgh tonight. Left-hander Randy Wolf faces Pirates’ righty Brian Burres.

Tags: wi sports, proam, baseball, brewers