Padres (87-71) @ Brewers (81-77) - Series Preview

The end is here. The Brewers take on the Padres in a four-game series at Miller Park. The Padres swept the Brewers in a three-game series back in May in San Diego.

Pitching match ups:

Thursday - 7:05 PM CDT:

RHP Jack Cassel (1-1, 4.00) vs. RHP Yovani Gallardo (9-4, 3.59)

Cassel picked up his first major league loss in his last start which was against the Rockies. He only lasted only two and two thirds innings and gave up six hits and three runs. In the start before that for Cassel, he threw six scoreless innings and got the win against the Pirates. He scattered eight hits in that start and struck out three while walking none. This will be Cassel's first career appearance against the Brewers and his fourth career start in the bigs. At Triple-A Portland this year, Cassel went 7-14 with a 3.91 ERA.

Although Gallardo's 21-inning scoreless streak came to an end in this last start, he still pitched fairly well against the Braves. Gallardo threw seven innings and gave up two runs in a no-decision. In the month of September, Gallardo is 3-0 with a 0.64 ERA in four starts. Gallardo will be making his first career start against the Padres. At Miller Park this year, Gallardo is 5-1 with a 2.50 ERA in eight appearances (seven starts).

Friday - 7:05 PM CDT:

RHP Greg Maddux (13-11, 4.10) vs. LHP Chris Capuano (5-12, 5.09)

Maddux only lasted three and two thirds innings against the Rockies in his last start. He gave up eight hits and five runs and picked up his 11th loss of the win. In his one start against the Brewers, Maddux threw five and two thirds innings and gave up nine hits and three runs in a win. In his career against the Brewers, Maddux is 14-6 with a 2.73 ERA in 25 starts. In September, Maddux is 3-2 with a 6.29 ERA in five starts. Geoff Jenkins is 23-52 with five doubles, one homer and seven RBI in his career against Maddux. Damian Miller is 15-41 with four doubles and eight RBI lifetime against Maddux

Capuano is once again filling for the injured Ben Sheets. In his last start, Capuano threw five innings and gave up just one run but could not get a win as the Brewers blew the lead later in the game. In his last four appearances, Capuano is 0-1 with an ERA of 2.40. Capuano is 3-2 with a 3.34 ERA in five career starts against the Padres. This will be Cappy's first start against the Padres in 2007. Michael Barrett is 5-16 with two doubles, two homer and three RBI in his career against Capuano.

Saturday - 2:55 PM CDT:

RHP Chris Young (9-8, 3.13) vs. RHP Dave Bush (12-10, 5.16)

Young is on a five-game losing streak that dates back to August 9th. He gave up eight hits and seven runs against the Giants in his last start which was a loss for Young. This will be Young's first career start against the Brewers. He has faced every team in the bigs expect for the Padres and Brewers in his career. Young has an ERA of 4.63 on the road compared to 1.69 ERA at home. Kevin Mench is the only active Brewer with a hit against Young.

Bush picked up win against the Cardinals in his last start. The Brewers gave Bush a ton of run support as Bush threw six and two thirds innings and gave up five runs, three earned. In his only start against the Padres this year, Bush was hit pretty well, giving up seven runs in five innings of work in a loss in San Diego. Bush is 1-1 with a 5.14 ERA in two career starts against the Padres. Adrian Gonzalez is 5-6 with a homer and two RBI in his career against Bush

Sunday - 1:05 PM CDT:

RHP Brett Tomko (4-11, 5.39) vs. RHP Jeff Suppan (11-12, 4.57)

This spot could go to Jake Peavy on short rest if the Padres need a win. Peavy gave up just two hits and no runs in seven innings in his only start against the Brewers this year. Tomko picked up a loss in his only start against the Brewers this year. As a member of the Dodgers back in May, Tomko gave up eight hits and five runs in five and a third innings of work. Tomko gave up four runs in six innings against the Giants in his last start, a no-decision. Tomko is 7-2 with a 3.70 ERA in 14 career appearances (12 starts) against the Brewers.

Suppan pitched eight strong innings against the Cardinals in his last start. He pitched eight innings and gave up just one run as the Brewers won 9-1. In September, Suppan is 3-1 with a 3.45 ERA in five starts. Suppan lost his only start against the Padres this year going six innings and giving up three runs. In his career against the Padres, Suppan is 3-3 with a 6.26 ERA in eight starts. Geoff Blum is 10-18 with three doubles and three RBI in his career against Suppan.