Brewers centerfielder Lorenzo Cain robbed Dodgers first baseman David Freese of a homer in the first inning of Game 2 of the National League Championship Series Saturday afternoon at Miller Park.
Cain made a great catch in the first inning in Game 1 Friday night, and almost had a great catch in the ninth as well.
In the pregame interview room, I asked Brewers manager Craig Counsell about Cain's defense. Here is our exchange, courtesy of ASAPSports.
Q. Craig, when you guys did the homework before you signed Lorenzo in the off season, how much was defense a part of that discussion, and what has his defense, how has it impacted the club, and where does he rank with guys you played with and against like (Steve) Finley and (Jim) Edmonds and some of your favorites?
CRAIG COUNSELL: Yeah, defense was a huge part of the equation. I think it probably was a central factor in the decision is how well he plays defense and the pride he takes in his defense and how important it is to him. Lorenzo is up there with all these guys. I mean, it's the same. It's the incredible radar. It's the strides after the ball, and then Lorenzo adds, I think, just this competitiveness to make plays and to be in the center of things, in the middle of things that I just love to watch.
I think Cain's defense in center, coupled with Christian Yelich's stellar play in right, has been a huge factor in helping the Brewers' pitching staff prevent runs this season. Here is the play.
Cain was upset Friday night when he didn't hang on to Chris Taylor's liner to deep center.
"I was more frustrated I didn't catch it more than anything," he said. "I gotta make that play. I pride myself on making plays like that."