MILWAUKEE -- In the top of the eighth inning of Game 1 of a doubleheader between the Giants and Milwaukee Brewers at the appropriately-named American Family Field, Tyler Rogers started getting loose in the visiting bullpen as Taylor Rogers ramped things up in the home bullpen. It was another cool moment for the twins, but they weren't the only brothers who came away from the day with memories they'll cherish for a lifetime.
Left-handed reliever Scott Alexander started the first game of the doubleheader for the Giants as younger brother Jason looked on. The Santa Rosa natives had never shared a field at any level because Scott is four years older, but they were able to meet up before both games. Scott and Jason, a starter for the Milwaukee Brewers, exchanged lineup cards before the second game of the doubleheader.
"That was probably one of my favorite moments that I've had so far in my career," Scott said. "It was definitely special. I'll always remember that ... It was really fun. Obviously that's a once-in-a-lifetime thing and I'm just really happy to be able to share that moment with him. I know my parents will be proud and happy. All in all, a really cool thing."
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The Alexanders joined the Rogers to make the game a rarity in MLB history. It was just the fifth time that a game has included two sets of brothers on opposing teams and the first since 1988, when Tony Gwynn and Mark Davis (Padres) faced Chris Gwynn and Mike Davis (Dodgers).
Before the first game, Jason told the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel that he hoped Scott "does alright but I want us to win." That ended up being the case. Appearing as an opener for the second time in his career, Scott pitched a 1-2-3 first inning, but the Giants lost 2-1 to a Brewers team that's desperately trying to make up ground in a Wild Card race that has left the Giants behind.
In his first big league season, Jason, 29, hopes to be pitching in the postseason in a few weeks. Scott, 33, has been there before and won a ring with the 2015 Kansas City Royals team before spending four strong seasons with the Dodgers. He had a shoulder injury last September but has pitched well since getting called up by the Giants last month, allowing just three hits and one run in six appearances.
The latest one was unique for multiple reasons. The Giants picked Alexander to open ahead of Jakob Junis and manager Gabe Kapler also told him a night earlier that he would be handing in the lineup card before the second game. Brewers manager Craig Counsell had taken the idea to Kapler, who now has plenty of experience with this kind of stuff thanks to the Rogers twins.
San Francisco Giants
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When the Alexander brothers got to the plate, they shook hands with all of the umpires and then with each other. Then one of the umpires suggested they soak up the moment a bit more.
"We shook hands. I've never done (the exchange) before so I wasn't really sure (what to do)," Scott said, smiling. "And they were like, 'You guys can hug' so I was like, 'Alright, let's go for it.' "