Afternoon State Sports Briefs - Stricker shot a one under par 71 today

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AUGUSTA, Ga. - Steve Stricker of Madison shot a one under par 71 today in his first round at the Masters golf tournament at Augusta National.

Stricker, the world’s fifth ranked golfer, birdied three holes on the back nine after he bogeyed back to back holes late in his front nine. Stricker was tied for seventh place as of early afternoon. Pewaukee native Mark Wilson was starting his back nine early in the afternoon, after shooting two over in his first nine holes. Henrik Stenson had the lead at that point at six under through 15.

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The Milwaukee Brewers were planning a workout at Miller Park this afternoon, in advance of their regular season opener tomorrow against Saint Louis. The game starts at 3:05 at Miller Park. Yovani Gallardo will make his third consecutive Opening Day start for the Brew Crew. The Cardinals already had their season opener last night, when they ruined the Miami Marlins’ debut of their new stadium with a 4-1 Cards’ victory. The Brewers wrapped up Spring Training last night. They flew into Milwaukee late in the evening.

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Brewers’ front office assistant Craig Counsell says the team’s expectations should be the same as last year. Despite the loss of Prince Fielder, Counsell says the pitching should be better. That’s because the Brew Crew has the same five starters as a year ago and Zack Greinke will be available for the entire season, after missing the first month of 2011 due to injury. Also, Counsell says eighth-inning specialist Francisco Rodriguez will be around for the whole year instead of just three months after he was traded from the New York Mets last summer. Counsell ended a 16 year playing career last fall that included two World Series titles with Arizona and Florida. Counsell says he does not believe he has missed out on anything during his career. And he’s totally comfortable being an assistant to general manager Doug Melvin. As for the loss of Fielder, Counsell said he was replaced with quote, “multiple people who can pick up the slack and do a pretty good job of coming close to his numbers.” Counsell says the Brewers are a different team than a year ago, when they won the NL Central and got to within two victories of making the World Series. But Counsell believes the new Brewers are just as good.

Tags: wissonsin sports, sports, brewers, golf