Back in Milwaukee, Broxton bested by Crew

MILWAUKEE -- Jonathan Broxton returned to Miller Park this weekend for the first time since the Cardinals acquired him from the Brewers on July 31 for outfielder Malik Collymore, a move that the veteran reliever believes worked out for the best. However, Broxton wasn't at his best on Sunday.

Broxton allowed a go-ahead two-run home run to Khris Davis in the eighth in the Cardinals' 5-4 loss to the Brewers. It was the first time Broxton had allowed a run since being acquired by the Redbirds.

"Like I've said before, it doesn't matter when I pitch. I didn't get the job done today," Broxton said.

"If I get back in that situation, I'm probably going to use Broxton," manager Mike Matheny said of pulling Kevin Siegrist in favor of Broxton with one out in the eighth and a runner on second. "He's been dynamic for us. I'll use him again because I think that's one of the roles he'll be playing for us."

With the trade, Broxton went from the bottom of the National League Central to the top, from a team that has its eyes on the future to one that wants to play deep into October.

"It's a great feeling to go out there every day knowing that you have a good chance to win," Broxton said before Sunday's series finale. "Guys have more confidence and they get after it every day. Everybody does the little things to help the team win."

Broxton's status with the Brewers before the Trade Deadline wasn't certain, as the right-hander struggled to begin the season. Overall he carried a 5.89 ERA in 36 2/3 innings with Milwaukee, but the month of July was a different story. Broxton allowed just two runs -- both in the same outing -- in eight relief innings while striking out seven.

Broxton, who was acquired by the Brewers in a 2014 trade with the Reds, had continued that run of good form before Sunday's disappointment. He was thrown directly into high-leverage situations by Matheny and excelled. Broxton hadn't surrendered a run in his first four appearances and struck out five before the loss to Milwaukee.

"There was some stuff out there, but I knew I had to throw better," Broxton said of the Trade Deadline. "I got on a little bit of a role and it worked out."

Collymore, the 20-year-old prospect the Cardinals dealt to receive Broxton's services, is slashing .400/.429/.500 in four games with Rookie-level Helena.

The change of scenery has been a pleasant one for Broxton, despite the loss on Sunday. The winning atmosphere around the Cardinals' clubhouse immediately struck the 11-year veteran, who is with his fifth organization.

"They handle their business the right way," Broxton said. "They do all the little things, play defense, make their pitches and they compete. That's the biggest thing, they go out there every day and compete."