Brewers Still Own Marlins

Milwaukee has such a stranglehold on the Florida Marlins, it doesn’t seem to matter whom the Brewers put on the mound against them.

Cal Eldred gave up only one unearned run in eight innings Tuesday night to win for the first time since June 30, as Milwaukee defeated Florida, 8-1, to improve to 11-0 against the Marlins since joining the NL last season.

“How many times have we beaten them? Eleven in a row?” asked Jeromy Burnitz, who hit a three-run homer in the seventh inning.

“For now, we have their number. But it’s no big deal. It’s the [overall] record. If we go on an 11-game winning streak, that would be something to get excited about.”

The Marlins, who own the worst record in the majors, have lost seven consecutive games and 10 out of 11.

“It’s not a freak thing when someone beats you 11 straight. I’m told last year’s games were all closely contested, but something always went awry. Tonight, that wasn’t the case,” said Marlin Manager John Boles, who took over the team from Jim Leyland after last season.

Making only his second start of the season since being activated from the disabled list, Eldred (1-1) gave up six hits, two walks and struck out four.

“I wouldn’t have tried to come back if I didn’t think I was able,” Eldred said. “You have to think that because otherwise you’re just wasting your time.”

Jeff Cirillo went two for three with a double and two walks, helping the Brewers to their third consecutive victory. Milwaukee improved its road record to 9-5.

AROUND THE LEAGUE / Umpire Out of Hospital

Umpire Kerwin Danley was released from a Cincinnati hospital and returned to his home in Phoenix to see his family doctor and get more tests. Danley left the Reds’ 4-3 victory over the Arizona Diamondbacks on Monday night after he became light-headed. He walked off the field after the second inning and was sent to Good Samaritan Hospital after a test found he had high blood pressure. Crew chief Ed Montague said tests found nothing seriously wrong with Danley and that the problem could be an inner-ear infection.

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The Colorado Rockies optioned right-handed pitcher Jamey Wright to triple-A Colorado Springs after he went 0-1 with a 7.58 ERA in four starts this season.