HOUSTON – Brewers infielder Craig Counsell snapped an 0 for 45 drought with a pinch-hit single in the ninth inning of Milwaukee's 8-1 victory against the Astros on Friday night.
Counsell, a 16-year veteran utility infielder with a .255 career batting average, was one hitless at-bat from tying a major league record. But he singled to right against Houston reliever Enerio Del Rosario for his first hit since June 10.
Bill Bergen, a catcher for the Brooklyn Dodgers, went 0 for 46 in 1909 to set the record for the longest hitless streak by a non-pitcher.
The last player to go 0 for 44 was Tony Bernazard of the Indians in 1984. Hall of Famer Luis Aparicio also went 0 for 44 with Boston in 1971.
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