From the Uecker Seats

Padres-Brewers - Series Recap

2007-09-30T03:36:00.000-05:00

The Brewers and the Padres split a four-game series to end the regular season. The Padres finished in a tie with the Rockies for the NL Wild Card. Those two teams will play Monday in Denver to decide the winner of the Wild Card. The Brewers finished in second place in the NL Central, two games behind the Cubs.

Thursday - Padres win 9-5: Brewers starter Yovani Gallardo gave up four runs in the top of the third inning and the Brewers could never battle all the back after that. The Padres picked up another run in the next inning to make it 5-1 after a Rickie Weeks solo homer in the half inning before. Prince Fielder had a chance to do some damage with the bases loaded down 5-2 in the fifth inning but grounded out to end the inning. That ended up being the Brewers' best chance at getting back into the game. The Padres picked up four more runs in seventh inning off Seth McClung, Ray King and Chris Spurling. The Brewer committed five errors (three by Ryan Braun, one by Fielder and one by Geoff Jenkins) and had four unearned runs.

Gallardo was charged with the loss after throwing five innings and giving up five hits and five runs, three earned. Padres rookie starter Jack Cassel threw four and two thirds innings and gave up four hits and two runs. Former Brewer minor leaguer Joe Thatcher pitched one and a third innings in relief of Cassel to get the win. Thatcher was the one who retired Fielder with the bases loaded in the fifth inning. The Brewers made a little bit of the comeback in the seventh inning with a homer from Braun and the second homer of the game from Weeks.

Friday - Padres win 6-3: The Brewers' postseason dreams ended with this loss to the Padres. The Cubs clinched the NL Central after the Padres won this game. The Brewers took the lead in this game right away in the first inning with two runs off Greg Maddux. Corey Hart and Braun picked up RBI in that inning. The Padres took the lead against Chris Capuano in the fourth inning with three runs. Brady Clark had the go ahead RBI on a single for the Padres in that inning. The Brewers answered right back with a solo homer by Corey Hart that tied the game at three. The Padres scored the winning run in the sixth inning when Adrian Gonzalez and Khalil Greene hit back to back doubles to start the inning against Claudio Vargas.

The Padres added to their lead in the eighth inning when Greene hit a two-homer off former Padre Scott Linebrink. Vargas was charged with the loss in the game. Capuano threw five innings and gave up three runs in a no-decision. Maddux got the win (his 14th of the year) by going five innings and giving up three runs. Trevor Hoffman pitched the ninth to get his 42nd save of the year.

Saturday - Brewers win 4-3: After each team scored one run in the first two innings, the Brewers took a 2-1 lead in the fifth inning when Weeks hit another home run. Gonzalez tied the game in the next inning with a solo homer of his own. The Padres took the lead in the seventh inning when Gonzalez hit a RBI single that scored pinch runner Drew Macias. Things looked dim for the Crew going into the bottom of the ninth facing Hoffman again. But, Corey Hart doubled with one out and Tony Gwynn hit an RBI triple with two outs to score Hart and tie the game at 3. The game went into extra innings after that.

Braun led off the 11th inning with a double off Thatcher. Fielder was intentionally walked to get to Hart who flied out but Braun was able to tag and get to third base on the play. Vinny Rottino was called upon to pinch hit and he did the job. Rottino hit a first pitch cutter to left field to win the game for the Brewers. He had caught Thatcher a number of times this year when they both played for the Nashville Sounds. Mitch Stetter got the last out in the top of the inning to get his first major league win. Thatcher was charged with the loss. All three of those players were with the Sounds for part of 2007. Dave Bush started the game for the Brewers and pitched six and two thirds innings and gave up three runs in a no-decision. Chris Young got the start for the Padres and pitched six innings and gave up two hits and two runs while striking out seven.

Sunday - Brewers win 11-6: The Padres got out to a 3-0 lead in the first inning against Brewers starter Jeff Suppan. The Brewers got within one in the fourth inning when Braun scored on a wild pitch and then Hart hit a solo homer. The Padres added another run in the top of the fifth but the Brewers answered right back with four in the bottom of that inning and three in the next inning to take a 9-4 lead. Gabe Gross had the big hit in the sixth inning with a three-run triple. Braun went 2-3 with three runs scored. Hart was 2-4 with three RBI and Dillon was 2-5 with a RBI.

Jeff Suppan picked up his 12th win of the year by going six innings and giving up four runs. Padres starter Brett Tomko could not get out of the fifth inning and got the loss by allowing five hits and five runs. The usually tough Padre bullpen was roughed up by the Brewers and prevented San Diego from clinching a playoff spot.

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

2007-09-27T17:35:00.000-05:00

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.

Cardinals-Brewers - Series Recap

2007-09-27T02:55:00.000-05:00

The Brewers took two of three from the Cardinals at Miller Park. The Cardinals won the season series 8-7.

Monday - Brewers win 13-5: The Brewers started fast in this game with four-run first inning. J.J. Hardy got the scoring going with an RBI double that scored Rickie Weeks. Two batters later, Prince Fielder hit a long (458 feet) three-run homer to put the Brewers up by four. The Brewers picked up five more runs in the fifth inning after the Cardinals cut the Brewers lead in half the inning before. Ryan Braun, Bill Hall, Corey Hart, Damian Miller (2) each had RBI in the fifth inning. Braun homered in the sixth inning to give the Brewers two more runs. Geoff Jenkins also had an RBI single in that inning. Fielder finished the game with three hits and three RBI.

Dave Bush started the game and picked up his 12th win of the season, tying his career high for wins set last year. Bush pitched six and two thirds innings giving up five runs, three of which were earned. Cardinals Adam Wainwright was having a big second half but got knocked around pretty well by the Brewers. He gave up eight hits and nine runs but only four were earned. Wainwright picked up his 12th loss of the year.

Tuesday - Brewers win 9-1: Once again the Brewers started fast in the first inning. Weeks got things started with a lead off homer. Three batters later, Fielder hit a two-homer to give the Brewers a 3-0 lead after one inning. The Brewers picked another run in the second inning to go up 4-0. The Cardinals scored their only run of the game in the fourth inning. Hall answered back for the Brewers in the fifth inning with a three-run homer that put the Brewers up 7-1. Fielder then made some history in the seventh inning with his 50th homer of the season. He is now the youngest player to reach 50 runs home runs in a year. Hall was 3-4 in the game for the Brewers.

Jeff Suppan was solid for the Brewers as he pitched eight innings and gave up just one run to pick up his 11th win of the year. Braden Looper started for the Cardinals and gave up seven runs in five innings of work. Looper was charged with his 11th loss of the year.

Wednesday - Cardinals win 7-3: The Brewers were unable to finish the sweep of the Cardinals. The Crew stayed within one run of St. Louis until the eighth inning where things fell apart. The Cardinals scored four runs in the inning to take a commanding 7-2 lead over the Brewers. It took five pitchers for the Brewers to get out of the inning. All four runs scored after two outs were recorded. Derrick Turnbow came in the game with one out and one on. He struck out Ryan Ludwick but then could not find the plate after giving up a bloop single to Skip Schumaker. Turnbow walked two and was replaced by Brian Shouse who gave up a double and single.

The Brewers scored their first two runs in the first two innings. However, in both of those innings the Brewers left the bases loaded. The Cardinals took the lead for good in the third inning when Ludwick doubled home Albert Pujols and Aaron Miles. Brad Thompson, pitching on three days rest, got the win for the Cardinals. He pitched six innings and gave up two runs, none earned. Carlos Villanueva got a quality start but picked up the loss for the Brewers. He threw six innings and gave up three runs. The Brewers did not have a runner reach base in the fifth through eighth innings. Braun was 3-5 and had all three RBI for the Brewers.

Cardinals (73-82) @ Brewers (79-76) - Series Preview

2007-09-24T00:26:00.000-05:00

The Brewers return to Miller Park to finish out the regular season with a seven-game homestand. The Cardinals lead the season series against the Brewers 7-5. Each team has sweep a series against the other at Miller Park this year. The Cubs take on the Marlins down in Florida in a three-game series also starting Monday.

Pitching match ups:

Monday - 7:05 PM CDT:

RHP Adam Wainwright (13-11, 3.60) vs. RHP Dave Bush (11-10, 5.20)

Wainwright has been the Cardinals' best starter during the 2007 season. In his last start, Wainwright threw eight innings and gave up just four hits and one run to the Phillies. He picked up a no-decision and struck out seven while walking four. Wainwright has faced the Brewers just once this season and that was in August when threw seven scoreless innings at Miller Park in pick up the win. Since the All-Star break, Wainwright has an ERA of 2.36 compared to 4.66 before the break. In his career against the Brewers, Wainwright is 1-0 with a 0.56 ERA in eight appearances (one start). No Brewer has more than one hit against Wainwright.

After back to back supbar starts, Bush had a very nice outing against the Astros in his last start. Bush pitched six innings and gave up just one run in a no-decision. The Brewers lost the game 5-4 in ten innings. In his only start against the Cardinals this year, Bush pitched seven innings and gave up three runs but picked up the loss in that game. Bush is 0-3 with a 9.00 ERA in three career starts against the Cardinals. Yadier Molina is 4-7 with three homers and five RBI in his career against Bush. The righty's ERA at home this year is 4.30 compared with 6.14 on the road.

Tuesday - 7:05 PM CDT:

RHP Braden Looper (12-11, 4.67 ERA) vs. RHP Jeff Suppan (10-12, 4.72)

Looper is coming off starting a game in which almost everyone on the Cardinals had a bad night. He gave up five runs in five and two thirds innings of work to get the loss against the Astros. The Cardinals lost the game to Houston by the score of 18-1. Looper is 1-1 with a 5.73 ERA in two starts against the Brewers this year. The loss came at Miller Park. In his career against the Brewers, Looper is 3-3 with a 3.98 ERA in 28 appearances (two starts). Looper has a 5.52 career ERA at Miller Park. Like Wainwright, Looper is in his first season as a starter. Looper's ERA on the road this year is 6.33 compared with 3.34 at home. Geoff Jenkins is 6-13 in his career against Looper. Weeks is 5-11 with two doubles lifetime against Looper.

Suppan has thrown three straight quality starts and has five in his last six starts. Last time out, Suppan got the loss after throwing six innings and giving up three runs to the Astros in Houston. Suppan is 2-0 with a 1.76 ERA in two starts against the Cardinals in 2007. That includes a complete game against the Cardinals at Miller Park back in late April. His ERA at home this year is 3.97 compared with 5.38 on the road. Suppan is 4-2 with a 3.64 ERA in eight career starts against the Cardinals. David Eckstein is 7-18 with two doubles and two RBI in his career against Suppan.

Wednesday - 7:05 PM CDT:

RHP Joel Pineiro (6-4, 4.71) vs. RHP Carlos Villanueva (8-4, 3.97)

Pineiro was charged with the loss against the Astros in his last start. He gave up three runs in five and two thirds innings of work. Pineiro struck out four and walked three in that outing. He won his only career start against the Brewers last month at Miller Park. Pineiro threw seven innings and gave up two runs while striking out four and walking none. In three September starts, Pineiro is 2-1 with a 6.19 ERA. Kevin Mench is 7-25 with two homers and three RBI in his career against Pineiro.

Villanueva made another great start in his last outing which was against the Braves. He pitched six innings and gave up just one run in a no-decision. The Brewers came back to the win the game 4-1 over the Braves. Villanueva is 2-1 with a 1.50 ERA in four starts in the month of September. This after an ERA of 10.32 in eight relief appearances in August. This will be Villanueva's first start against the Cardinals in 2007. Villanueva is 2-0 with a 2.25 ERA in seven career appearances (two starts) against the Cardinals. Those two starts came down the stretch last season when the Cardinals were backing into the playoffs. Villanueva gave up just two runs in 15 and 1/3 innings in the two starts against the Cardinals in 2006. Albert Pujols is 5-13 with a double, a homer and four RBI in his career against Villanueva.

Brewers-Braves - Series Recap

2007-09-23T15:23:00.000-05:00

The Braves took three of four from the Brewers in the four-game series in Atlanta. The Cubs sweep the Pirates at Wrigley Field to move three and a half games ahead of the Brewers in the NL Central.

Thursday - Braves win 3-1: Former Brewer Jeff Bennett shut down the Brewers for the most part in his first major league start. Bennett gave up just one run in five and two thirds innings of work to get the win. He struck out eight and walked just one. Rickie Weeks hit a solo homer (his third straight game with a home run) for the Brewers only run in the game. The Braves bullpen did the rest by throwing three and a third innings in which they gave up no hits and no runs. The Brewers did have their chances doing but struggled with runners in scoring position and left nine runners on base.

The Braves scored all three of their runs in the first two innings against Brewers starter Jeff Suppan. Brian McCann hit an RBI single in the first inning that scored Chipper Jones to the Braves their first inning. Then in the second inning, Jones hit a two-run two-out single to put the Braves up 3-0. Suppan ended up with the loss and a quality start by pitching six innings and giving up three runs.

Friday - Brewers win 4-1: The Brewers finally broke through in the eighth inning and got on the scoreboard. Before that inning, the Brewers had scored just one run in their last 16 innings. Braves starter Tim Hudson was rolling along with seven scoreless innings to start the game. The Brewers were able to tie the game in the eighth when Corey Hart hit two-out RBI single that scored Ryan Braun. Geoff Jenkins was then intentionally walked and Hudson was pulled. Ron Mahay relieved Hudson and walked in Joe Dillon to give the Brewers the lead 2-1. Braves manager Bobby Cox did not agree with last call in the Dillon walk and was ejected from the game. Tyler Yates then came in for the Braves to face Bill Hall and Hall hit an RBI single to put the Brewers up by two. Jenkins was thrown out at home on the play to end the inning

After the Brewers picked up a manufactured insurance run in ninth, Francisco Cordero pitched the bottom of the ninth to finish off the Braves. Scott Linebrink got the win for pitching the seventh inning for the Brewers. Derrick Turnbow picked up his 33rd hold of the year by pitching a 1-2-3 eighth inning. Carlos Villanueva started the game for the Brewers and was solid once again. Villanueva threw six innings and gave up just one run which was a solo homer to Mark Teixeira. Hudson ended up as the tough luck loser.

Saturday - Braves win 4-3: The Brewers were one out away from winning this game but it didn't happen as Braves pinch hitter Scott Thorman hit a home run against Cordero to tie the game at three in the tenth inning. The Brewers took the lead in the top of the inning with a solo homer from Corey Hart. The Braves then went on to win the game in 11th inning when Teixeira singled home pinch runner Willie Harris against Brian Shouse. It looked like the Brewers had a double play the hitter before but Weeks bobbled the grounder and got no outs. That left runners on first and second with no one out.

The Brewers tied the game at two in the sixth inning when J.J. Hardy hit a two-run homer against John Smoltz who had a no-hitter going through five and two thirds innings. That homer by Hardy broke up the no-hitter. The Braves scored two runs in the first three innings against Yovani Gallardo who pitched another solid game. Gallardo threw seven innings and gave up just those two runs and struck out seven.

Sunday - Braves win 7-4: The Brewers lost another game when leading by at least three runs. However, this time the Brewers and the umpires were to blame. The umps gave the Braves five outs in the seventh inning and the Braves took lead 5-4 in that inning after scoring four runs. Martin Prado had the game-winning hit for the Braves. Claudio Vargas ended with the loss and Manny Acosta got the win.

Ryan Braun hit his 32nd home run of the year to give the Brewers a 2-1 lead in the fourth inning. The Brewers scored two more runs in sixth inning to go up 4-1. Chris Capuano started the game for the Brewers and again had no luck. He threw five innings and gave up just one run but could not get the win.

Brewers (78-73) @ Braves (79-73) - Series Preview

2007-09-20T04:52:00.000-05:00

The Brewers travel to Atlanta for their only trip to Turner Field in 2007. The Braves took two of three from the Brewers back in May at Miller Park. The Brewers start this series one game behind the Cubs for first place in the NL Central. The Cubs start a three-game series at Wrigley Field against the Pirates on Friday.

Pitching match ups:

Thursday - 6:35 PM CDT:

RHP Jeff Suppan (10-11, 4.72) vs. RHP Jeff Bennett (0-0, 0.00)

Suppan picked up a win against the Reds in his last start. He threw six and a third innings and gave up seven hits and three runs. The Brewers are 3-0 in Suppan's last three starts. The Braves are Suppan's least common opponent in his career. He has not faced the Braves in 2007. Suppan is 0-3 with a 9.22 ERA in three career starts against the Braves. Edgar Renteria is 9-28 with a triple and five RBI in his career against Suppan.

Bennett will be making his 2007 major league debut in his start. The former Brewer pitched for Triple-A Richmond this season. Bennett missed the entire 2006 due to right elbow surgery. He made six regular season starts for Richmond with an ERA of 2.15. Also, this will be Bennett's first ever start in the bigs. Bennett made 60 appearances out of the pen for the Brewers in 2004 with an ERA of 4.79.

Friday - 6:05 PM CDT:

RHP Carlos Villanueva (8-4, 4.11) vs. RHP Tim Hudson (16-8, 3.33)

Villanueva threw seven scoreless innings against the Reds in his last start to pick a win. Since returning to the starting rotation, Villanueva is 2-1 with a 1.50 ERA in three starts. He seems to be pitching with a lot of confidence on the mound and even when he gets into trouble he works his way out of it most of the time. Villanueva will be making his first career start against the Braves. In his only career appearance against the Braves, Villanueva gave up one run in a third of an inning of work back in May.

Hudson pitched a shutout against the Nationals in his last outing. The veteran righty has now won at least 15 games in a season five times in his career. Hudson beat the Brewers back in May at Miller Park by pitching seven innings and giving up two runs. In his career against the Brewers, Hudson is 2-1 with a 3.34 ERA in four starts. Bill Hall is 6-13 with a double in his career against Hudson.

Saturday - 2:55 PM CDT:

RHP Yovani Gallardo (9-4, 3.66) vs. RHP John Smoltz (14-7, 2.97)

Gallardo extended his scoreless streak to 21 innings after throwing eight scoreless against the Astros in Houston. He picked up his ninth win of the season after scattering seven hits during his outing. All of those 21 innings have come in the month of September. Gallardo will be making his first career start against the Braves. The young righty is 5-1 with a 1.70 ERA in his last six starts.

In his third season back as as starter, Smoltz is pitching as good as ever. Smoltz picked up a win against the Marlins in his last start. He threw six innings and gave up four hits and just one run. In the month of September, Smoltz is 2-1 with a 2.42 ERA in four starts. Smoltz gave up eight hits and three runs in his only start against the Brewers this year. He left that start after three and a third innings because of a couple of injuries. Smoltz is 3-0 with a 2.97 in 13 career appearances (four starts) against the Brewers. Craig Counsell is 8-16 with three RBI in his career against Smoltz.

Sunday - 12:05 PM CDT:

RHP Ben Sheets (12-5, 3.82) vs. LHP Jo-Jo Reyes (1-2, 6.98)

This spot could change before Sunday's game actually takes place. Sheets again left his last start early. This time he left after one inning with a hamstring injury. Claudio Vargas replaced Sheets and pitched four scoreless innings to pick up the win against the Astros. If Sheets is unable to go, Vargas or Chris Capuano would be the main options for manager Ned Yost. Sheets is 8-3 with a 4.80 ERA in 11 career starts against the Braves. He beat the Braves earlier this year at Miller Park in his only start against Atlanta in 2007. Andruw Jones is 13-34 with two doubles, two homers and eight RBI in his career against Sheets.

Reyes picked up his first career win in the bigs against the Marlins in his last start. He pitched five innings and gave up just one run. Reyes will be making his first career start against the Brewers. The Braves are 1-7 in games that Reyes starts. The young southpaw has had problems with control in his first year in the majors. Reyes walked at least three batters in six of his nine appearances this year.

Brewers-Astros - Series Recap

2007-09-19T23:27:00.000-05:00

The Brewers took two of three from the Astros at Minute Maid Field once again. It was the third time this season the Brewers won a series in Houston. The Cubs also took two of three from the Reds in Chicago to stay one game ahead of the Brewers in the NL Central.

Monday - Brewers win 6-0: Yovani Gallardo extended his scoreless streak to 21 innings after throwing eight scoreless innings against the Astros in this game. Gallardo struck out five and scattered seven hits in those eight innings. He picked up his ninth win of the season and lowered his season ERA to 3.66. Chris Spurling pitched a 1-2-3 ninth inning with two strikeouts to finish off the Astros.

The Brewers picked up two runs in the first inning against Astros rookie starter Matt Albers. Rickie Weeks reached base with a walk to start the game, stole second and got to third on a bad throw by Astros catcher Humberto Quintero. However, Weeks thrown out at home when Joe Dillon hit a ground ball to shortstop Mark Loretta. That put Dillon on first with Ryan Braun at the plate who was then plunked by Albers. It was payback for Braun showboating when he hit a home run against Albers earlier this month at Miller Park. It does not seem like a smart move to hit Braun with Prince Fielder coming up next and a runner already on base. Albers was able to strike out Fielder but could not get the job done against Corey Hart who doubled home Dillon and Braun with two outs. The Brewers picked up three more runs in the fourth inning with RBI from Hart, Gabe Gross and Johnny Estrada. Albers picked up the loss after giving up five runs and lasting only three and a third innings. Kevin Mench hit a pinch homer in the ninth inning to give the Brewers their last run of the game.

Tuesday - Brewers win 9-1: Ben Sheets started the game for the Brewers on three days rest, one day less than usual. Sheets gave up a first inning run to the Astros when Lance Berkman singled home Josh Anderson who reached on a double. That was as long as Sheets would last in this outing. Something wasn't right for Sheets as he warmed up for the second inning and he left the game with a hamstring injury. Claudio Vargas relieved Sheets and pitched four scoreless innings to pick up the win, his 11th of the year. Seth McClung, Derrick Turnbow and Greg Aquino pitched the final four innings to finish the game.

Astros rookie pitcher Felipe Paulino started strong against the Brewers with three scoreless innings in which he gave up just one hit. However, in the fourth inning things came apart for Paulino. Fielder hit a RBI single that scored Braun who tripled to reach base. Then after a ground-rule by Hart and an intentional walk of Gross, Estrada came to the plate. Estrada came up big for the Crew with a grand slam to right field. It was Estrada's second grand slam of the season. Paulino left after the fourth inning and was charged with his first major league loss. The Brewers picked up four more runs in the game, all coming via the home run. The home runs were from Braun, Weeks and Geoff Jenkins.

Wednesday - Astros win 5-4: Weeks hit a two-run homer against Astros closer Brad Lidge in the ninth inning to tie the game at 4. But, that would not be enough for the Brewers to pull out this game. Astros picked up the win in the bottom of the tenth inning on a Hunter Pence single to left field that scored pinch runner/pitcher Brandon Backe. Matt Wise gave up the game winning run to the Astros. Lidge also pitched the tenth for the Astros to pick up the win.

The Brewers got off to a 2-0 lead in the fourth behind a solo homer from Fielder and a sac fly from Estrada. The Astros cut the lead in half in the bottom of the inning when Carlos Lee hit his 30th homer of the season. Brewers starter Dave Bush picked up a no-decision as he went six innings and gave up just one run. Another rookie started for the Astros in this game. Juan Gutierrez pitched six innings and gave up two runs in a no-decision. The Astros tied the game in the bottom of the seventh inning when Mark Loretta singled home Ty Wigginton against Brewers reliever Brian Shouse who then started the next inning as well. He allowed allowed two base runners and was pulled for Turnbow who gave up an RBI single to Lee and a sac fly to Pence.

Brewers (76-72) @ Astros (65-84) - Series Preview

2007-09-17T00:50:00.000-05:00

The Brewers travel to Houston to take on the Astros in a three-game series. This year against the Astros, the Brewers are 11-4 overall and 4-2 at Minute Maid Park in Houston. The Brewers start the series one game behind the Cubs for first place in the NL Central. The Cubs face the Reds at Wrigley Field for a three-game series starting Monday as well. The Reds will be throwing Bronson Arroyo, Aaron Harang and Tom Shearn while the Cubs counter with Rich Hill, Carlos Zambrano and Ted Lilly. Zambrano and Lilly will be pitching on three days rest this week like Ben Sheets on Tuesday. The Reds are 7-5 against the Cubs in 2007.

Pitching match ups:

Monday - 7:05 PM CDT:

RHP Yovani Gallardo (8-4, 3.99) vs. RHP Matt Albers (4-8, 5.79)

Gallardo has not given up a run in his last two starts. That includes Gallardo's only career start against the Astros. In that start, Gallardo pitched seven scoreless innings and gave up six hits while striking out five. No Astro player had more than one hit against Gallardo in that outing. Gallardo's ERA on the road this year is 5.85 but that number is skewed a little bit by a very bad outing against the Rockies at Coors Field. This will be Gallardo's first start at Minute Maid Field.

Albers will be the first of three rookie starters to face the Brewers in this series. He picked up a quality start against the Cubs in his last outing by pitching six innings and giving up three runs. However, Albers picked up the loss as the Astros only put up two runs on the board for him. In the start before that, Albers faced Gallardo and the Brewers and was charged with the loss. He gave up seven runs in three innings of work. Albers is 0-1 with a 8.10 ERA in three appearances (two starts) against the Brewers this year. At Minute Park Field this season, Albers has an ERA of 3.48 compared to 7.53 on the road. J.J. Hardy, Prince Fielder and Ryan Braun all have homered against Albers this year.

Tuesday - 7:05 PM CDT:

RHP Ben Sheets (12-5, 3.78) vs. RHP Felipe Paulino (0-0, 11.25)

Sheets is being moved one up because he only threw 50 pitches against the Reds in his last start. The Brewers' ace gave up four runs in the first inning and only lasted three innings while giving up five runs. This year against the Astros, Sheets is 1-0 with a 2.84 ERA in three starts. Sheets is 10-8 with a 3.74 ERA in 23 career starts against the Astros including three complete games. Ty Wigginton is 9-20 with two homers and seven RBI in his career against Sheets.

Paulino will making be his first major league start. He has made two relief appearances in the bigs, one of which was against the Brewers at Miller Park. In that appearance, Paulino gave up six hits and five runs including three homers in three innings of work. Bill Hall, Corey Hart and Geoff Jenkins hit those home runs. Jenkins had two hits against Paulino during that outing. Paulino was called up from Double-A earlier this month.

Wednesday - 7:05 PM CDT:

RHP Dave Bush (11-10, 5.34) vs. RHP Juan Gutierrez (1-1, 6.10)

Bush has been knocked around pretty hard in his last two outings. He has given up a total of 12 runs in five innings of work in his last two starts which were against the Reds and Pirates. In 2007 against the Astros, Bush is 2-1 with a 5.91 ERA in four appearances (three starts). Bush is 4-1 with a 3.75 ERA in eight career appearances (seven starts) against the Astros. Lance Berkman is 9-23 with two doubles and three RBI in his career against Bush

Gutierrez will making his second career start and first appearance against the Brewers. In his only other start in the bigs, Gutierrez pitched five innings and gave up 11 hits and six runs in a loss to the Nationals in that outing. In his last appearance, Gutierrez picked up a win against the Pirates out of the bullpen by pitching two scoreless and hitless innings in relief of Wandy Rodriguez.

Reds-Brewers - Series Recap

2007-09-16T20:29:00.000-05:00

The Brewers took two of three from the Reds at Miller Park this past weekend. The Cubs took three of four in their series with the Cardinals in St. Louis.

Friday - Reds win 6-5: The Reds knocked around Brewers starter Ben Sheets right from the get go. Brandon Phillips knocked in Norris Hopper and Jeff Keppinger to make the score 2-0 Reds. Keppinger and Hopper ended up at second and third for Phillips after a double steal attempt was successful. Adam Dunn batted next and hit a two-run homer to right field to make it 4-0 Reds with one out. The Reds stole a total of four bases in the first inning. All five stolen bases by the Reds in the game came when Sheets was pitching. Johnny Estrada has struggled this year throwing out base runners but in this case Estrada made a few good throws but Sheets was too slow to the plate. The Reds picked up another run in the second inning and Sheets would only last three innings. He was charged with the loss as he gave up five runs on six hits and threw just 50 pitches.

The Brewers tried to battle back against Reds starter Tom Shearn. Prince Fielder tied the team record for homers in a season in the fourth inning with a two-run blast. Estrada picked an RBI single in the seventh to bring the Brewers within two. Shearn got the win by going six and two thirds innings and giving up four hits and three runs. The Reds picked up what turned out to be a very important insurance run against Brewers reliever Mitch Stetter in the eighth inning. That's because Mike Rivera hit a two-run homer in the ninth to make it 6-5 Reds. But, the Brewers would get no closer as Kevin Mench fouled out to end the game.

Saturday - Brewers win 5-3: The Brewers picked up two runs in the first inning against Reds starter Kirk Saarloos. Ryan Braun had an RBI ground out and Geoff Jenkins picked up an RBI single in the inning. The Reds cut the lead in half in the second inning with a RBI single from Joey Votto. Prince Fielder then set the single season record for homers in the third inning with a solo shot. Fielder passed Gorman Thomas and Richie Sexson (he did it twice) who had 45 home runs in seasons for the Brewers. Damian Miller picked up an RBI single in the fifth inning to make 4-1 Brewers.

Hopper brought the Reds within two in the seventh inning with a RBI double that scored Buck Coats who reached on a walk. Jeff Suppan left the game with Hopper on third base and one out in the inning. Brian Shouse came in face to Ken Griffey Jr. and got him to pop out. Scott Linebrink relieved Shouse and gave up an RBI single to Phillips that scored Hopper. Ray King was called on to face Dunn and struck him out to end the inning. Derrick Turnbow started the top of the eighth inning with two outs but then walked two batters and was pulled for Francisco Cordero who finished the inning with a strikeout of Hopper. J.J. Hardy hit a solo homer to give the Brewers an insurance run going into the ninth inning. Cordero pitched a 1-2-3 ninth inning to finish off his save and the win for the Crew. Suppan got the win for the Brewers, his tenth of the season.

Sunday - Brewers win 5-2: The Brewers got on top first in this game as well with two runs in the third inning. Joe Dillon hit a two-run two-out double that scored Rickie Weeks and Craig Counsell. Then in the fifth inning, Dillon came up with another two-out two-run double that scored Bill Hall and Counsell. Fielder came up next with an RBI opposite field single that scored Dillon to make it 5-0 Brewers. Matt Belisle struck out nine for the Reds but gave up five runs in six innings of work to get the loss. Carlos Villanueva pitched seven scoreless innings to pick up his eighth win of the year. Cordero had to make another four-out save as Matt Wise and Shouse could get out of the eighth inning. He did the job and picked up his 43rd save of the season.

Reds (67-79) @ Brewers (74-71) - Series Preview

2007-09-14T00:08:00.000-05:00

The Brewers return home for a quick three-game homestand against the Reds. The Reds are 7-5 against the Brewers this season. Cincinnati took two of three from the Brewers at Miller Park back in August. The Reds are coming off a three-game sweep of the Cardinals. The Brewers start this series a half game behind the Cubs for first place in the NL Central. The Cubs start a four-game series Friday against the Cardinals in St. Louis. The Cardinals stand five games behind the Cubs.

Pitching match ups:

Friday - 7:05 PM CT:

RHP Tom Shearn (2-0, 4.19) vs. RHP Ben Sheets (12-4, 3.54)

Shearn gave up four hits and three runs in two innings of work against the Brewers in his last outing which was out of the bullpen. Ryan Braun hit a two-run homer against Shearn in that game last Sunday. His last start was against the Mets and he pitched six scoreless innings and gave up just three hits to pick up the win. Shearn has pitched just one game away from home in the bigs this year. That was against the Cardinals and he gave up three runs in four and a third innings of work.

Sheets was not at his best against the Reds in his last start but he was able to earn a victory. He pitched six innings and gave up five runs. Three of those runs came in the sixth inning when Edwin Encarnacion hit a three-run homer. That was Sheets' first start this year against the Reds. Sheets is being moved ahead of Suppan in order to set up the rotation for the rest of the regular season. He will be looking to set a career high in wins in this start. Sheets also won 12 games in 2004. In his career against the Reds, Sheets is 7-3 with a 2.69 ERA in 14 starts. Ken Griffey Jr. is 4-15 with three homers and seven RBI in his career against Sheets.

Saturday - 6:05 PM CDT:

RHP Kirk Saarloos (1-4, 7.39) vs. RHP Jeff Suppan (9-11, 4.74)

This will be Saarloos' first start in the bigs since May 27th against the Pirates. In that start, Saarloos did not record an out and gave up five runs while picking up the loss. His last outing was against the Brewers last Sunday. Saarloos pitched three innings and gave up one run in that appearance. In four appearances against the Brewers this year, Saarloss has an ERA of 5.79. In his career against the Brewers, Saarloos is 0-2 with a 6.05 ERA in ten appearances (three starts). At Miller Park, Saarloos is 0-2 with an ERA of 8.18 in three appearances (two starts).

Suppan gave up three runs in six innings against the Reds in his last outing. All three runs came on a home run by Reds first baseman Joey Votto. Suppan picked up a no-decision as the Brewers came back and won the game 4-3. He will pitching on two days of extra rest. In his career in September/October regular season starts, Suppan is 21-18 with a 4.07 ERA, his best month for ERA in his career. So far this month, Suppan has made that stat stand up. This year against the Reds, Suppan is 0-2 with a 5.94 ERA in three starts. Suppan is 2-2 with a 6.24 ERA in ten career starts against the Reds. At Miller Park in 2007, Suppan is 6-3 with a 3.95 ERA in 14 starts. Griffey is 12-28 with two doubles, five homers and 12 RBI in his career against Suppan. Adam Dunn is 9-18 with three doubles, one homer and three RBI against Suppan.

Sunday - 1:05 PM CDT:

RHP Matt Belisle (8-8, 5.31) vs. RHP Carlos Villanueva (7-4, 4.42)

Belisle gave up six hits and five runs in five and a third innings of work against the Mets in his last start. He did not strike out a batter and walked one. Belisle is 0-1 with a 9.00 ERA in two starts against the Brewers this year. Both of those starts were in Cincinnati. In his career against the Brewers, Belisle is 1-3 with a 8.38 ERA in 11 appearances (two starts). Belise will be making his first start at Miller Park where he is 1-1 with a 7.04 ERA in five relief appearances. Bill Hall is 4-7 with a homer in his career against Belisle.

Villanueva gave up two runs in five innings against the Pirates in his last outing. He was charged with the loss because the Brewers could not muster any run support for Villanueva. The Brewers lost the game 9-0 after the bullpen gave up seven more runs. Villanueva will be making his third career start against the Reds. In his career against the Reds, Villanueva is 2-0 with a 3.31 ERA in seven appearances (two starts). Villanueva made those two starts against the Reds in 2006 and gave up three runs in 11 and 1/3 innings of work. He has made four relief appearances against the Reds in 2007 with a 6.75 ERA. Scott Hatteberg is 4-6 with a double and three RBI in his career against Villanueva.

Brewers-Pirates - Series Recap

2007-09-12T15:37:00.000-05:00

The Pirates took two of three from the Brewers in this series as the Crew's troubles at PNC Park continued.

Monday - Pirates win 9-0: Brewers starter Carlos Villanueva pitched a solid five innings for the Crew. He gave up just two runs in his outing. But the Brewers did not give Villnueva any run support and the bullpen gave up seven more runs. The Pirates took the lead in the fifth when Nate McLouth hit a two-run homer. Two more runs scored in the sixth inning when Rickie Weeks errant throw got past Prince Fielder. If Weeks' throw was on target, the inning would have ended with no runs scoring.

The Brewers gave up four runs in the seventh inning and one more run in the eighth. McLouth and Adam LaRoche each went 3-5 for the Pirates. Jose Bautista, Steve Pearce and Ronny Paulino each had two hits. Tony Armas pitched six scoreless innings to pick up the win for the Pirates. He gave up just three hits, struck out three and walked none.

Tuesday - Brewers win 6-1: Yovani Gallardo pitched six scoreless innings for the Brewers to pick up his eighth win of the year in the bigs. Gallardo pitched out of a couple jams to keep the Pirates off the board. He gave up six hits and walked three but stranded eight runners and got a double play. Gallardo struck out seven and improved his ERA to 3.99.

The Brewers took the lead in the fourth inning when Prince Fielder hit his 44th home run of the season, one short of tying the franchise record. Gabe Gross doubled home Weeks in the sixth inning to make the score 2-0 Brewers. The next batter, Ryan Braun singled in Gross to add to the Brewers lead. That single chased Pirates starter Brian Bullington from the game. Bullington ended up pitching five innings while giving up seven hits and three runs in his second career start. John Grabow replaced Bullington and got Fielder to hit into a double play. However, Corey Hart then hit a solo homer to give the Crew at 4-0 lead. Braun then gave the Brewers two more insurance runs in the seventh with a two-run single that scored J.J. Hardy and Weeks who went 3-4 with two runs scored.

Wednesday - Pirates win 7-4: Brewers starter Dave Bush only last four innings and gave up four runs. The Pirates led 4-0 after three innings but the Brewers would battle back. The Brewers picked up single tallies in the fourth and fifth to cut the Pirates lead in half. The Brewers tied the game in the eighth inning when Fielder (groundout that scored Hardy) and Hart (triple that scored Braun) each picked up RBI. However, the Brewers were unable to drive in Hart from third base with just one out. Craig Counsell was the next batter and he walked. Bill Hall then struck out and Damian Miller was hit by a pitch. Geoff Jenkins grounded out to the end the inning. John Grabow got the win for getting that out.

Derrick Turnbow started the bottom of the eighth inning with a strikeout of LaRoche. He then walked the next two batters. Ronny Paulino came up next and singled home Cesar Izturis to give the Pirates the lead for good. Josh Phelps then tripled home Steve Pearce and Paulino to give the Pirates a three-run lead. Tom Gorzelanny started the game for the Pirates and pitched six and a third innings and gave up three runs. Matt Capps pitched the ninth to pick up the save. Miller had two hits including a homer for the Brewers.

Brewers (73-69) @ Pirates (63-80) - Series Preview

2007-09-10T13:51:00.000-05:00

The Brewers travel to Pittsburgh for a three-game series to finish up the current road trip. PNC Park is a place where the Brewers have had worlds of trouble in the past. The Brewers are 19-40 in their history against at that ballpark. The Pirates took three of four from the Brewers earlier this year in Pittsburgh. The Brewers are 9-4 against the Pirates overall this season.

Pitching match ups:

Monday - 6:05 PM CDT:

RHP Carlos Villanueva (7-3, 4.47) vs. RHP Tony Armas (3-5, 6.49)

Villanueva made his return to the rotation last time out with very nice start against the Astros at Miller Park. He pitched six innings and gave up five hits and just one run to pick up the win. This will be Villanueva's first career start against the Pirates. This year against the Pirates, Villanueva is 2-0 with a 1.08 ERA in five relief appearances. Adam LaRoche is 1-2 with a homer in his career against Villanueva.

Armas picked up a win against the Cardinals in his last start. He threw six innings and gave up two runs and five hits. Armas lost to the Brewers August 31 at Miller Park. He did not pitch that bad in that game, giving up three runs in six innings of work. This year against the Brewers, Armas is 0-1 with a 4.91 ERA in two starts. Armas is 3-1 with a 2.70 ERA in five career starts against the Brewers. Prince Fielder is 2-6 with two homers in his career against Armas.

Tuesday - 6:05 PM CDT:

RHP Yovani Gallardo (7-4, 4.27) vs. RHP Bryan Bullington (0-1, 15.00)

Gallardo got tons of run support against the Astros in his last start. He pitched seven scoreless innings and struck out five in the 14-2 Brewers win. Gallardo was solid in his last start against the Pirates. He threw seven innings and gave up five hits and two runs to pick up the win at Miller Park. Gallardo is 1-1 with a 4.66 ERA in two career appearances (one start) against the Pirates. LaRoche is 3-4 with a double, a homer and two RBI against Gallardo this year.

Bullington made his first major league start against the Cardinals in his last outing. He lasted only three innings, gave up seven hits and five runs and was charged with the loss. Bullington struck out one and walked two in that outing. He has one other career appearance in the bigs, a relief outing back in 2005. Bullington was the first overall pick in the 2002 MLB draft out of Ball State.

Wednesday - 11:35 PM CDT:

RHP Dave Bush (11-10, 5.25) vs. LHP Tom Gorzelanny (14-7, 3.48)

Bush suffered his worst start of the year last time out. He gave up nine hits and eight runs to the Reds in just one inning of work. The Reds scored six runs in the first inning off Bush without a home run. Ken Griffey Jr. then chased Bush in the second inning with a two-run homer with no outs. Bush beat the Pirates September 1 at Miller Park. He threw six innings and gave up just one run. This year against the Pirates, Bush is 1-1 with a 3.46 ERA in two starts. In his career against the Pirates, Bush is 1-3 with a 4.85 ERA in five appearances (four starts). At PNC Park, Bush is 0-1 with a 3.75 ERA in two career starts. Freddy Sanchez is 6-11 with two doubles and four RBI in his career Bush.

Gorzelanny was very solid against the Cubs in his last outing. He threw six innings and gave up one run to pick up his 14th win of the year. In the start before that, Gorzelanny lasted only four innings against the Brewers at Miller Park and gave up four runs, three earned. This year against the Crew, Gorzelanny is 2-0 with a 4.00 ERA in three starts. Gorzelanny is 2-0 with a 3.16 ERA in five career appearances (four starts) against the Brewers. J.J. Hardy is 4-8 with a double in his career against Gorzelanny.

Brewers-Reds - Series Recap

2007-09-09T22:51:00.000-05:00

The Brewers took two of three from the Reds at Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati. It was a big step forward for the Brewers as they make a run at playing in October.

Friday - Reds win 11-4: This game was pretty much over in the first inning. Brewers starting Dave Bush gave up six runs in the that inning to the Reds. All six runs came without a home run by the Reds who are right behind the Brewers in the bigs in homers this year. The final out in the inning came when Joey Votto was thrown out at homer on a single by Josh Hamilton. Bush left the game after giving up a two-homer to Ken Griffey Jr. in the second inning. His final line for the game was one inning, nine hits, eight runs and one strikeout. Bush was charged with his tenth loss of the season.

The Reds picked up two more runs in the third inning and one more in the eighth. Starting at the top of the lineup for the Reds, Hamilton went 4-5 with three runs and two RBI. Alex Gonzalez was 3-5 with two runs scored. Griffey went 2-4 with two runs and three RBI. Edwin Encarnacion and Votto each had two RBI. Bronson Arroyo pitched seven and two thirds innings and gave up three runs to get the win for the Reds. No Brewer had more than one hit in the game.

Saturday - Brewers win 4-3: The Crew fell behind 3-0 in the bottom of the second inning when Votto hit a three-run homer off Brewers starter Jeff Suppan. It turned out to be the only mistake Suppan made all night. At that point though, things looked bleak for the Brewers' chances in the series. However, the Brewers battled back starting in the fifth inning. A Gabe Gross ground out scored Suppan who reached on a single earlier in the inning. That run brought the Brewers within two. Prince Fielder made it a one run game in the next inning with his 43rd home run of the season. Another productive out came in the eighth inning when Geoff Jenkins hit a sac fly that scored Fielder who reached on a walk. Derrick Turnbow pitched the bottom of that inning and ended up getting the win.

The Brewers took the lead for the first time in the game when Rickie Weeks tripled home Craig Counsell in the ninth inning. Francisco Cordero pitched a 1-2-3 bottom of the ninth to pick up the save for the Brewers. Weeks was 3-5 in the game with that game-winning RBI. Counsell and Fielder each went 2-4.

Sunday - Brewers win 10-5: History was made right off the bat for the

Brewers on this afternoon. Weeks, J.J. Hardy and Ryan Braun all hit home runs to start off the game for the Brewers. It was the third time in major league history that a team started a game with home runs from their first three batters. The Braves were last team to do it back in 2003. The Brewers picked up another run in the inning to make it a four-run first. Reds starter Phil Dumatrait did not record an out and was taken out after giving up his fifth straight hit to start the game. After the Reds picked up a single tally in the bottom of the first, the Brewers added three more in the second with a RBI double from Hardy and another homer by Braun, this one a two-run shot. Weeks hit his second home run of the game in the fourth inning to make it 8-1 Brewers.

The Reds pulled within three when Encarnacion hit a three-run homer in the sixth inning off Brewers starter Ben Sheets. The Brewers added two insurance runs in the eighth inning when Estrada hit a two-run homer, his first homer since July 7th. Sheets picked up the win by going six innings and giving up six runs.

Brewers (71-68) @ Reds (63-77) - Series Preview

2007-09-07T01:18:00.000-05:00

The Brewers start a six-game road trip with a three-set against the Reds. The Crew is just 3-6 against the Reds this year. The Brewers start the trip tied for first place in the NL Central with the Cubs. The Cardinals stand one game back.

Pitching match ups:

Friday - 6:10 PM CDT:

RHP Dave Bush (11-9, 4.83) vs. RHP Bronson Arroyo (7-14, 4.43)

Bush pitched six innings and gave up just one run against the Pirates in his last start. He picked up the win and gave up four hits, struck out five and walked three. The Brewers won the game by the score of 12-3. Bush is one win short of his total for last year (12). This season against the Reds, Bush has no record with a 6.97 ERA in two starts. Both of those starts were won by the Reds and were played at Great American Ball Park. In his career at the park, Bush is 0-1 with a 10.90 ERA in four starts. Bush is 1-1 with a 6.68 ERA in six career starts against the Reds. Scott Hatteberg is 8-20 with two doubles, a triple, a homer and three RBI in his career against Bush.

Arroyo lost his last outing which was against the Cardinals. He pitched six and a third innings and gave up three runs. Arroyo struck out seven and walked two in that start. He won his only start against the Brewers this year. That start was last month at Miller Park. Arroyo pitched seven and a third innings and gave up three runs. In his career against the Brewers, Arroyo is 5-3 with a 3.58 ERA in 11 appearances (8 starts). Gabe Gross is 7-21 with two homers in his career against Arroyo. Geoff Jenkins 6-18 with three doubles, one homer and four RBI against Arroyo.

Saturday - 6:10 PM CDT:

RHP Jeff Suppan (9-11, 4.75) vs. RHP Aaron Harang (14-4, 3.68)

Suppan did not pitch his best in his last start but he was able to end his four-game losing streak (12 starts). He had not won a game since June 22nd against the Royals at Miller Park. Suppan pitched five innings and gave up four runs, two earned against the Pirates to pick up the W. The veteran righty has not given up more three earned runs in any start since August 11th. In 2007 against the Reds, Suppan is 0-2 with a 6.75 ERA in two starts. Suppan gave up five and ten hits in his only start at Great American Ball Park this year. In his career against at Great American Ball Park, Suppan is 1-1 with a 8.13 ERA in five starts. Suppan is 2-2 with a 6.45 ERA in nine career starts against the Reds. Adam Dunn is 9-17 with three doubles, a homer and three RBI in his career against Suppan. Ken Griffey Jr. is 12-25 with two doubles, five homers and 12 RBI lifetime against Suppan.

Harang threw five and two thirds innings and gave up six runs and ten hits against the Mets in his last outing. He picked up the loss, just his second since the All-Star break. Harang has started two games against the Brewers this year. He has no record in those starts with a 3.78 ERA. At home this year, Harang is 7-3 with a 3.35 ERA in 15 starts. Bill Hall is 15-36 with four doubles, one triple, three homers and nine RBI in his career against Harang. Ryan Braun is 3-7 with two homers against Harang this year. J.J. Hardy also has two career homers against Harang.

Sunday - 12:15 PM CDT:

RHP Ben Sheets (11-4, 3.36) vs. LHP Phil Dumatrait (0-3, 13.00)

Sheets was in line to win his last start when the Brewers blew another three-run lead Monday against the Astros. He picked up a no-decision after throwing six innings in which he gave up three runs and five hits. Sheets did walk a career high six batters in that start. In his career against the Reds, Sheets is 6-3 with a 2.36 ERA in 13 starts. At Great American Ball Park, Sheets is 2-0 lifetime with a 2.37 ERA in three starts. Griffey is 4-13 with three homers and six RBI in his career against Sheets.

Dumatrait gave up five runs in four and two thirds innings against the Cardinals in his last start. He has only pitched past the fifth inning in one of his five starts in the bigs this year. This will be Dumatrait's first career appearance against the Brewers. At home this year, Dumatrait is 0-1 with a 11.25 ERA in two starts. Dumatrait has 12 walks in 2007 compared with nine strikeouts. He was a first round draft pick by the Red Sox in 2000.

Astros-Brewers - Series Recap

2007-09-06T03:53:00.000-05:00

The Brewers took two of three from the Astros and finished their homestand 5-1. The Crew is now 11-4 against Houston this year.

Monday - Astros win 9-7: This game seemed destined to be a low scoring affair with Ben Sheets facing Roy Oswalt but things turned out differently. The Astros struck first with three runs in the top of the fourth inning. Two of the runs scored on what was ruled a triple by Brad Ausmus. Gabe Gross had a bead on the play but slipped and fell before being able to get a glove on the ball. The Brewers came back with two in the bottom of the inning. Geoff Jenkins and Craig Counsell each had RBI singles in that inning. The Brewers tied the game in the sixth when Corey Hart reached on a fielder's choice that scored Ryan Braun. Counsell gave the Brewers the lead with a two-run triple later in the inning.

Sheets pitched six innings and gave up three runs but did walk a career high six hitters. He left with the lead but the bullpen would not be able to hold it for him. Oswalt was let off the hook as he gave up five runs in five and two thirds innings. The Astros got one back in the top of the seventh but the Brewers answered right back with two more in the bottom of the inning. Braun doubled home Gross and Bill Hall picked up a sac fly that scored Braun for the two runs in the seventh for the Brewers. However, that three run lead would not last once again. The Astros put up a four-spot in the eighth inning. The big blow came when Hunter Pence hit a two-run triple off Brewers reliever Greg Aquino to tie the game. Pence scored the go ahead run on a passed ball by Johnny Estrada. The rookie center fielder went 3-4 with two RBI and two runs in the game.

Tuesday - Brewers win 5-3: The Crew bounced back with a solid win behind the pitching of Carlos Villanueva who picked up the win for the Brewers. Villanueva threw six innings and gave up just one run in his first start since June. Braun gave the Brewers the lead in the first with a solo homer. The Brewers made it 2-0 with a infield single by Gross that scored Villanueva. Chris Burke cut the Brewers lead in half with a solo home run in the third inning. RBI hits from Geoff Jenkins and Corey Hart gave the Brewers a 4-1 lead in the fifth inning. The Astros scored two unearned runs off Scott Linebrink in the seventh inning to cut the lead to one. Johnny Estrada hit a sac fly that scored Braun to make it 5-3 Brewers.

Astros pitcher Brandon Backe made his first start in about a year and picked up the loss. Backe was returning from Tommy John Surgery. He pitched five and two thirds innings and gave up four runs, three earned. Brian Shouse pitched the eighth for the Brewers and Francisco Cordero the ninth to pick up his 40th save of the year, a Brewers team record.

Wednesday - Brewers win 14-2: This one turned out to be a laugher for the Brewers. The Crew started this game with three-run homers from Prince Fielder and Braun in the first and second innings, respectively. Corey Hart hit another three-run home run in the fourth inning and that was followed by a homer from Jenkins. Both of those homers were the 20th of the season for those players. Hart joined the 20-20 club with his home run. Hall homered in the sixth as a pinch hitter for Hart. Vinny Rottino doubled home Rickie Weeks and Gross to the seven inning to give the Brewers two more runs.

Yovani Gallardo pitched seven scoreless innings to pick up the win for the Brewers. He struck out five and walked two in his seventh win of the season. The shutout ended in the ninth inning when Luke Scott homered against new Brewer Ray King. Matt Albers started for the Astros and lasted just three innings and gave up seven runs to be charged with the loss.

Astros (61-76) @ Brewers (69-67) - Series Preview

2007-09-03T00:56:00.000-05:00

The Brewers finish up their six-game home stand with a three-game set against the Astros. This year against the Astros, the Brewers are 9-3 with six games left to play.

Pitching match ups:

Monday - 1:05 PM CDT:

RHP Roy Oswalt (14-6, 3.21) vs. RHP Ben Sheets (11-4, 3.30)

Oswalt is coming off a very solid outing against the Cardinals. He threw seven scoreless innings and gave up just four hits while striking out nine and walking none. In the month of August, Oswalt was 4-0 with a 1.14 ERA in five starts. This year against the Brewers, Oswalt is 0-2 with a 4.50 ERA in two starts. Oswalt is 11-8 with a 3.50 in 22 career starts against the Brewers. At Miller Park, Oswalt is 5-6 with a 4.97 ERA in 12 starts. Bill Hall is 13-36 with four doubles, one homer and five RBI in his career against Oswalt. Geoff Jenkins is 17-46 with four doubles, two homers and five RBI against Oswalt lifetime.

Sheets came back very strong in his first start coming off the DL. He threw six innings and gave up just one run to the Cubs to pick up his 11th win of the year. Against the Astros this year, Sheets is 1-0 with a 2.08 ERA in two starts. In his career against the Astros, Sheets is 10-8 with a 3.78 ERA in 22 starts. At Miller Park this year, Sheets is 6-1 with a 2.64 ERA in ten starts. Ty Wiggington is 9-18 with two homer and seven RBI in his career against Sheets. Lance Berkman is 17-54 with six doubles, four homers and 14 RBI against Sheets.

Tuesday - 7:05 PM CDT:

RHP Brandon Backe (0-0, 0.00) vs. RHP Carlos Villanueva (6-3, 4.68)

Backe will be making his first start since August 18, 2006 when faced the Brewers at Miller Park. In that start, Backe pitched six and a third innings and gave up two runs in a no-decision. Backe is returning from Tommy John surgery. In six rehab starts this year in the minors, Backe is 4-2 with a 4.50 ERA. Backe is 2-0 with a 2.55 ERA in five career appearances (two starts) against the Brewers. Hall is 2-9 with a homer in his career against Backe.

Villanueva will be making his second start of the season for the Brewers. His only other start this year was against the Tigers back in June. Villanueva picked up a no-decision after throwing five innings and giving up just one run in that outing. He was sent to Triple-A Nashville August 20 after struggling in July and August. Villanueva made two starts in the minors with a 3.24 ERA in those starts.

Wednesday - 7:05 PM CDT:

RHP Matt Albers (4-6, 5.36) vs. RHP Yovani Gallardo (6-4, 4.66)

Albers had a very solid start in his last outing. He beat the Cardinals by pitching seven innings and giving up just one run. Albers struck out three, walked four and gave up just three hits. In his career against the Brewers, Albers is 0-0 with an ERA of 2.57 in two appearances, one of which was a start. Both of those appearances have come in 2007. Albers pitched six innings and gave up four hits and two runs to the Brewers in a start at Miller Park back in April. He picked up a no-decision and the Astros won the game 6-5 behind a grand slam by Craig Biggio. J.J. Hardy is 2-3 with a homer against Albers.

Gallardo did it all in his last start. He pitched seven innings and gave up one run to the Pirates to pick up a win. Also, Gallardo hit a solo homer that ended up being the difference in the game for the Brewers. Gallardo finished an up and down August with a record of 3-3 and a 7.55 ERA in six starts. This will be Gallardo's first career appearance against the Astros. Gallardo is 4-1 with a 2.91 ERA in seven appearances at Miller Park in 2007.

Pirates-Brewers - Series Recap

2007-09-02T17:30:00.000-05:00

The Brewers sweep the three-game series against the Pirates. The Crew now lead the season series against Pittsburgh, 9-4. The Brewers went 8-1 against the Pirates at Miller Park in 2007.

Friday - Brewers win 3-2: Seven solid innings on the mound, seven strikeouts and the game-winning RBI. That's all in a night's work for Brewers starting pitcher Yovani Gallardo. The Brewers took the lead in the first inning when Corey Hart hit a sac fly that scored Gabe Gross who reached on a double. Hart then made it 2-0 Brewers with a double in the third inning that scored Gross with two outs. Prince Fielder was intentionally walked by Pirates starter Tony Armas Jr. to get to Hart. Adam LaRoche cut the Brewers lead in half with a long home run off Gallardo in the fourth inning. The Brewers answered right back in the bottom half of the inning with a homer by Gallardo that sailed over the Brewers bullpen in left field.

Gallardo got himself into a big jam in the seventh inning. Ronny Paulino doubled home LaRoche to the cut the Brewers lead to 3-2. That left Paulino on second and Jason Bay on third base with one out. The Brewers decided to walk Jack Wilson and pitch to pinch hitter Josh Phelps with the bases loaded. Gallardo then struck out Phelps and Nate McLouth to end the threat. Derrick Turnbow pitched the eighth and Francisco Cordero the ninth to finish out the win for the Brewers.

Saturday - Brewers win 12-3: The Brewers fell behind 1-0 in this game in the top of the first inning. Two more runs would have scored if Bill Hall would have not made a diving catch in right center field that ended the inning. If Hall would not have made the catch, the game might have turned out differently. But he did make the catch and the Brewers scored eight runs total in the second and third innings. After a shaky first inning, Dave Bush settled down and threw six solid innings. Bush struck out five, gave up four hits and walked three to pick up his 11th win of the year.

Prince Fielder went 3-3 with two runs in the game for the Brewers. Kevin Mench had a huge night going 3-3 with four runs and three RBI. Mench also had a solo homer. Johnny Estrada went 3-4 with two RBI and one run scored. Bill Hall got off the snide a little bit by going 2-3 with four RBI. Corey Hart hit a long two-run homer as well. It was an overall solid game for the Crew. Mitch Stetter made his major league debut in the ninth. He seemed very nervous at first as he loaded the bases by hitting two batters and walking one. But, then after a visit from Brewers pitching coach Mike Maddux, Stetter got two groundballs and three outs to end the game by giving up just one run.

Sunday - Brewers win 7-4: This game was back and forth much of the afternoon. The Pirates struck first with a run off Jeff Suppan in the first inning. The Brewers tied the game in the bottom of the first on a Ryan Braun RBI single that scored Rickie Weeks who singled and stole second base. Then in the top of the second inning, the Pirates took the lead with back to back doubles by Paulino and Cesar Izturis to start the inning. The Brewers tied things up in the bottom of the third inning when J.J. Hardy scored on a Mench groundout. Braun homered to the opposite field off Pirates starter Tom Gorzelanny to give the Brewers a 4-2 lead in the fourth inning. Gorzelanny only lasted four innings and gave up four, three earned. The southpaw threw 105 pitches in those four innings.

The Pirates tied the game against Suppan in the fifth inning when Jose Bautista singled home McLouth and Nyjer Morgan. Suppan threw five innings and gave up four runs, two earned. He picked up his first win since June 22nd because the Brewers took the lead in the bottom of the fifth inning when Hall singled home Mench. The Brewers added to their lead in the sixth inning when Fielder hit his 40th homer of the year that also scored Braun. Brian Shouse, Scott Linebrink, Turnbow and Cordero each pitched a scoreless inning to finish the game off for the Brewers.

Pirates (59-74) @ Brewers (66-67) - Series Preview

2007-08-31T01:31:00.000-05:00

The Brewers return home after their nine-game road trip in which they went 3-6 against the Diamondbacks, Giants and Cubs. This home stand includes three against the Pirates and three with the Astros. The Brewers are 6-4 against the Pirates this year including a record of 5-1 against Pittsburgh at Miller Park.

Pitching match ups:

Friday - 7:05 PM CDT:

RHP Tony Armas (2-4, 6.93) vs. RHP Yovani Gallardo (5-4, 4.86)

Armas picked up a no-decision against the Astros in his last start. He pitched five and a third innings and gave up three runs and seven hits. Armas faced the Brewers earlier this year at Miller Park. In that start, Armas got a no-decision after pitching five innings and giving up four runs, three earned. He walked two and struck out six in that outing. The Brewers won that game, 6-4. In his career against the Brewers, Armas is 3-0 with 2.25 ERA in four starts. Prince Fielder is 2-5 with two homers and three RBI in his career against Armas.

Gallardo gave up four runs in the first inning against the Giants in his last start. He lasted only three innings and ended up allowing five runs in a loss. Gallardo has now been hit pretty well in three of his last four starts. He is 2-3 with a 9.00 ERA in five August starts. Gallardo is 3-1 with a 2.97 ERA at Miller Park this year in six appearances, five starts of which were starts. His only appearance against the Pirates in his career was in relief back in July when he picked up the loss after throwing two and two thirds innings and giving up four runs, three earned. Jack Wilson was 2-2 with a triple against Gallardo in that game.

Saturday - 6:05 PM CDT:

LHP Shane Youman (3-4, 5.59) vs. RHP Dave Bush (10-9, 4.96)

Youman made his 2007 debut against the Brewers back in June in Pittsburgh. He picked up his first major league win in the game by throwing six innings and giving up just two runs. His last four outings have come out of the bullpen. Youman's last start came August 13 against the Giants. He pitched five innings and gave up five runs in a loss. Johnny Estrada had two hits off Youman in June and Kevin Mench homered off Youman in that game.

Bush pitched six solid innings in his last start but the problem was that Bush was still pitching in the seventh inning against the Giants. The righty allowed a two-run homer to Guillermo Rodriguez in that inning to tie the game at four. Bush picked up a no-decision and gave up four runs on six hits. In his only start against the Pirates this year, Bush threw seven innings and gave up four runs in a loss at Miller Park. Bush is 0-3 with a 5.85 ERA in four appearances, three starts against the Pirates in his career. Freddy Sanchez is 5-8 with three RBI in his career against Bush.

Sunday - 1:05 PM CDT:

LHP Tom Gorzelanny (13-7, 3.50) vs. RHP Jeff Suppan (8-11, 4.78)

Gorzelanny picked up a win against the Reds in his last start. He threw six innings and gave up four runs and eight hits. So far this season, Gorzelanny is 2-0 against the Brewers with a 3.21 ERA in two starts. In his career against the Brewers, the southpaw is 2-0 with a 2.49 ERA in four appearances, three of which were starts. Mench is 3-9 against Gorzelanny in his career. Gorzelanny finished up the month of August with a record of 4-1 with a 3.27 ERA in five starts.

Suppan has now had back-to-back very solid starts for the Crew. Last time out, Suppan gave up two runs in six innings of work against the Cubs. He struck out four and walked none in a no-decision. This year against the Pirates, Suppan is 2-0 with a 4.32 ERA in three starts. Career wise against the Pirates, Suppan is 9-3 with a 3.97 ERA in 17 starts. Jason Bay is just 4-31 against Suppan but he does have a homer and six RBI against the veteran righty.

Brewers-Cubs - Series Recap

2007-08-31T00:38:00.001-05:00

The Cubs took two of three from the Brewers in this three-game set. The Brewers finish their nine-game road trip 3-6 and fall to two and a half games behind the Cubs for first place in the NL Central.

Tuesday - Cubs win 5-3: Corey Hart picked up three RBI (one in the third and two in the fifth) to give the Brewers a 3-0 lead. The Cubs cut the lead to two with a single tally in the bottom of the fifth inning on a Rich Hill RBI single. Jeff Suppan pitched six solid innings for the Brewers. He gave up just two runs while striking out four and walking none. Suppan threw only 78 pitches going into the seventh inning but after he hit Cliff Floyd to start the inning he was pulled by Brewers manager Ned Yost. Scott Linebrink came to give up three hits and three runs, one earned. Jacque Jones hit a double that scored Floyd and Mark DeRosa to tie the game at three. Two outs later, Ryan Theriot hit a high boucning ground ball back to Linebrink who misplaced it and Jones scored the go ahead run on the play. Derrek Lee then singled home pinch runner Felix Pie to make it 5-3 Cubs. Hill picked up the win after throwing seven innings and giving up three runs while striking out nine and walking none. Ryan Dempster pitched the ninth to pick the save.

Wednesday - Brewers win 6-1: Ben Sheets made his return from the DL in a big way. He picked up the win by pitching six innings and giving up just one run and six hits. The Cubs scored first in the game on a sac fly by Aramis Ramirez that scored Carlos Zambrano who reached on an infield single. The Brewers tied the game in the fourth when Hart tripled home Prince Fielder with two outs. The Crew took the lead for good in the fifth when Gabe Gross doubled and Rickie Weeks scored. The big inning for the Brewers came in the seventh inning when they picked up four more runs off Zambrano. The four runs came on hits by Ryan Braun (double) and Geoff Jenkins (single off Scott Eyre). Zambrano picked up another loss in the month of August by giving up six runs, five earned in seven innings of work. Hart went 3-4 in the game for the Brewers.

Thursday - Cubs win 5-4: The Brewers took the lead right away in this game with a lead off homer from Weeks. The Crew tacked on another run in the inning when Kevin Mench doubled home J.J. Hardy. The Cubs took the lead in the bottom of the second inning against Brewers starter Manny Parra. DeRosa singled home Ramirez and Craig Monroe to tie the game at two. Two batters later, Jones singled home DeRosa to give the Cubs the lead. The Brewers were able to tie the game in next half inning on a Mench sac fly that scored Braun. Parra had to leave the game after three innings of work because he injured his left thumb on a bunt attempt in the top of the fourth inning. Parra pitched three innings, gave up three runs and three hits, walked three and struck out three. Cubs starter Ted Lilly pitched just five innings and picked up a no-decision as he left the game when it was tied.

Chris Capuano relieved Parra and it was more of the same for Capuano. He picked up another loss (his 12th in a row, 18th straight loss for the Brewers when Capuano pitches) after allowing two runs in four innings of work. The two runs came on back-to-back homers by Matt Murton and Alfonso Soriano. Carlos Marmol pitched two scoreless innings and got the win for the Cubs. The Brewers tried to mount a comeback in the ninth but came up just short. Hart drew a bases loaded walk that scored Joe Dillon. Mench came up next, swung at the first pitch and grounded into a force out to end the game. Left-handed hitting Geoff Jenkins was left sitting on the bench as Mench made the last out. The Brewers left 11 runners on base, four of those at third base.

Brewers (65-65) @ Cubs (66-63) - Series Preview

2007-08-27T02:49:00.000-05:00

The Brewers travel to Chicago to finish their nine-game homestand with a three-game set against the Cubs. This will be the last series between the Brewers and Cubs this year. Going into the series, the Cubs lead the Brewers by one and a half games in the NL Central. The Cubs lead the season series, 7-5.

Pitching match ups:

Tuesday - 7:05 PM CT:

RHP Jeff Suppan (8-11, 4.85) vs. LHP Rich Hill (7-7. 3.67)

Suppan pitched a very solid game in his last outing. The veteran righty threw seven innings and gave up three runs against the Diamondbacks. However, Suppan was charged with the loss because Diamondbacks starter Brandon Webb gave up just two runs. Suppan has not won a game since June 22nd which was against the Royals at Miller Park. This year against the Cubs, Suppan is 1-1 with a 2.77 ERA in two starts. Suppan pitched eight scoreless innings in a win against the Cubs at Wrigley Field back in April. He is 5-5 with a 3.16 ERA in his career against the Cubs. Derrek Lee is 15-33 with five doubles, three homers, and five RBI in his career against Suppan.

Hill had a very good outing last time out. The young southpaw gave up two runs in seven innnings of work against the Giants. He picked up a no-decision as the Cubs won the game in extra innings. Hill struck out ten and walked just one. That was Hill's second double digit strikeout total for 2007. Hill is 1-1 with a 5.40 ERA in three starts against the Brewers this year. In his career against the Brewers, Hill is 1-1 with a 3.86 in five appearnces, four of which wers starts. Kevin Mench is 3-8 with two homers and four RBI against Hill.

Wednesday - 7:05 PM CDT:

RHP Ben Sheets (10-4, 3.39) vs. RHP Carlos Zambrano (14-10, 3.95)

Sheets will be making his return to the rotation after being on the DL with a distal sprain of his right middle finger. He last pitched on July 14th against the Rockies. Sheets left after three and a third innings. Against the Cubs this year, Sheets is 1-1 with a 4.76 ERA in three starts. At Wrigley this season, Sheets is 1-0 with a 3.27 ERA in two starts. Sheets is 8-7 with a 3.97 ERA in 21 starts in his career against the Cubs. Lee is 14-41 with two doubles, five homers and 11 RBI in his career against Sheets. The Cubs first baseman has struck out ten times against Sheets.

Zambrano lost his last start by giving up four runs in five and a third innings against the Giants. He walked four and struck four in that outing. Zambrano is 0-3 with a 7.04 ERA in four starts in the month of August. This year against the Brewers, Zambrano is 2-0 with a 3.32 ERA in three starts. In his career against the Brewers, Zambrano is 9-7 with a 4.05 ERA in 19 appearances, 18 of which were starts. Prince Fielder is 6-18 with three doubles, a homer and three RBI against Zambrano.

Thursday - 7:05 PM CDT:

LHP Manny Parra (0-1, 3.09) vs. LHP Ted Lilly (13-7, 3.85)

Brewers manager Ned Yost is going with Parra for this spot because the Cubs do not fare as well against left-handed pitchers. The Cubs are hitting .252 against left-handed pitchers this year compared to .274 against right-handed pitchers. Also, the Cubs are 12-20 when left-hander starts against him. Parra will be making his first career appearance against the Cubs. This will be his second career start. In his only other start, Parra pitched six innings and gave up three runs, one earned against the Cardinals. Parra didn't get a win in that game because the Brewers blew a 6-0 lead.

Lilly threw six innings and gave up just two runs in his last start. However, Lilly was charged with the loss against the Diamondbacks because Arizona starter Doug Davis gave up just one run. Lilly struck out eight and walked none in that start. Both runs that Lilly gave up came when Conor Jackson hit a two-run homer. Lilly is 2-1 with a 5.47 ERA in four starts in the month of August. This year against the Brewers, Lilly is 1-1 with a 5.25 ERA in two starts. Lilly has just one other career appearance against the Brewers. Ryan Braun went 2-3 with a homer against Lilly in a game earlier this year in June at Miller Park.

Brewers-Giants - Series Recap

2007-08-26T18:14:00.000-05:00

The Brewers were swept by the Giants in a three-game series in San Francisco. After the sweep, the Brewers fall to .500 for the first time since April 10th.

Friday - Giants win 11-6: The Brewers started fast with three runs in the top of the third inning against Giants starter Noah Lowry. Ryan Braun, Kevin Mench and Joe Dillion each had RBI singles in that inning. Brewers starter Claudio Vargas would give the lead right back to the Giants. Ray Durham, Barry Bonds, and Lowry each had RBI singles. Omar Vizquel had a bases clearing three-run double. The Giants led 6-3 after just one inning. Vargas would last only two thirds of an innings, his shortest outing this year. Rickie Weeks homered for the first time in four months in the second inning to bring the Brewers within one. The Brewers tied the game in the third when J.J. Hardy and Chris Capuano hit back to back RBI singles.

The Giants got the lead for good in the bottom of the inning when Lowry hit a two-run homer off Capuano. Barry Bonds hit a solo home run in the fourth inning and Kevin Frandsen homered in the sixth inning to add to the Giants' lead. Capuano ended with another loss, this time in relief. The southpaw now has a 11-game losing streak after pitching five innings and giving up four runs. Lowry picked up the win despite giving up 12 hits and six runs to the Brewers.

Saturday - Giants win 6-2: Once again, the Giants had a big first inning. The Giants scored four runs in the first inning off Brewers starter Yovani Gallardo. All four runs came without an extra base hit. Bonds, Ryan Klesko, Bengie Molina, Pedro Feliz had back to back to back to back RBI singles in the inning. The Giants scored another run in the third inning against Gallardo. The rookie righty lasted only three innings and gave up seven hits and five runs. Manny Parra relieved Gallardo and pitched three innings and gave up one run. The Brewers scored two runs in the sixth on RBI hits by Dillon and Corey Hart. Giants starter Kevn Correia threw five and two thirds innings and gave up two runs to pick up his second win of the season. It was just his second start of the year.

Sunday - Giants win 5-2: The Brewers blew another Sunday afternoon lead in his game. The Giants scored again in the first inning but it was just one run this time. The Brewers gave up 11 runs in the first inning in the three-game series. Hardy tied the game up with a two-out RBI single in the second inning. The Brewers took the lead when Braun hit a three-run homer that also scored Prince Fielder and Weeks. The Giants picked up a single tally in the sixth inning and then tied the game up in the seventh when Guillermo Rodriguez hit a two-run homer. That was Rodriguez's first career home run. Brewers starter Dave Bush had been pitching very well before that inning. He ended up pitching six and a third innings and gave up four runs in a no-decision. Tim Lincecum pitched six innings and gave up four runs, three earned in six innings of work in a no-decision. The Giants took the lead for good when Rich Aurilia singled home Feliz against Scott Linebrink. Steve Kline pitched the eighth to pick up the win and Brad Hennessey picked up a save, his 14th this year.

Brewers (65-62) @ Giants (56-72) - Series Preview

2007-08-24T00:31:00.000-05:00

The Brewers travel to San Francisco for their only trip to AT&T Park this season. The Crew is 4-2 against the Giants this year.

Pitching match ups:

Friday - 9:15 PM CDT:

RHP Claudio Vargas (10-4, 4.72) vs. LHP Noah Lowry (13-7, 3.34)

Vargas pitched five and two thirds innings in his last start to pick up a win over the Reds. He gave up just one run and struck five while also walking five. This year against the Giants, Vargas is 2-0 but has a 5.73 ERA in two starts. In his career against the Giants, Vargas is 5-2 with a 5.55 ERA in 13 appearances, 10 of which were starts. Vargas is 3-0 with a 5.08 ERA in seven appearances (four starts) at AT&T Park. Randy Winn is 7-19 with three homers against Vargas in his career. Omar Vizquel is 8-16 against Vargas lifetime.

Lowry picked up a no-decision in his last start which was against the Marlins. He pitched five and a third innings and gave up three runs while striking out three and walking five. In 2007, Lowry has as many strikeouts (82) as walks (82). Lowry is on a four-game winning streak that dates back to July 20th. Lowry is 1-1 with a 6.17 ERA in two starts against the Brewers this year. He is 1-2 with a 6.95 ERA in four career starts against Milwaukee. Bill Hall is 4-9 with two RBI in his career against Lowry.

Saturday - 8:05 PM CDT:

RHP Yovani Gallardo (5-3, 4.41) vs. RHP Kevin Correia (1-6, 3.90)

Gallardo had a very solid start in his last outing. He threw six scoreless innings and gave up five hits in a win over the Diamondbacks. In his previous two starts, Gallardo was hit very hard by the Rockies and Cardinals. Gallardo made his major league debut against the Giants at Miller Park. He pitched six and a third innings and gave up three runs to get his first career win. No Giant had more than one hit against Gallardo in that game.

Correia is filling in for Russ Ortiz who was placed on the DL earlier this week with a torn tendon in right elbow. This will be Correia's second start of the year and second career start against the Brewers. This year against the Brewers, Correia has made three relief appearances and has an ERA of 0.00 in three and two thirds innings of work. In his career against the Brewers, Correia is 0-0 with a 3.95 ERA in eight appearances (one start). Rickie Weeks is 3-6 with two doubles in his career against Correia.

Sunday - 3:05 PM CDT:

RHP Dave Bush (10-9, 4.93) vs. RHP Tim Lincecum (7-4, 3.91)

Bush pitched six innings and gave up two runs in his last start which was against the Diamondbacks. He recorded his tenth win of the season while striking out six and walking one. Bush lost his only start against the Giants this year by giving up three runs in six innings of work at Miller Park in July. In his career against the Giants, Bush is 1-2 with a 3.91 in four appearances, three of which were starts. This will be Bush's first career start at AT&T Park. Pedro Feliz is 3-9 with two homers and five RBI against Bush in his career.

Lincecum pitched a great game in his last outing but was charged with the loss. The young righty threw eight scoreless innings in which he gave up just two hits. But in the ninth inning against the Cubs, things came a part. The Cubs tied the game against Lincecum and later took the lead in the inning against Giants closer Brad Hennessey. The rookie pitcher struck out seven and walked one against the Cubs. Lincecum is 1-1 against the Brewers this year with a 4.50 ERA in two starts. Ryan Braun is 2-5 with an RBI against Lincecum this year.

Brewers-Diamondbacks - Series Recap

2007-08-23T00:14:00.000-05:00

The Brewers take two of three from the Diamondbacks in their first series in a nine-game road trip.

Monday - Brewers win 9-0: The Brewers started fast in this game. Bill Hall put the Brewers ahead 3-0 with a three-run homer in the top of the first inning off Diamondbacks starter Doug Davis. Then in the second inning, Brewers starter Yovani Gallardo got into the act with his first career home run. Joe Dillon picked up an RBI and Prince Fielder homered to make it 6-0 Brewers in that inning. Gallardo pitched six scoreless innings to pick up the win for the Brewers. He struck out six and walked one. Davis would only last two innings and was charged with his 11th loss of the game. Fielder came up with another big hit in the fourth inning with a bases clearing double that made it 9-0 Brewers. That would be enough for the Brewers on this night. Carlos Villanueva pitched the final three innings for the Brewers to pick the save. Rickie Weeks was 3-4 with three runs scored from the lead off spot for the Brewers.

Tuesday - Brewers win 7-4: A big blast by Gabe Gross would be the difference for the Brewers on this night. The grand slam by Gross in the seventh inning gave the Brewers a 7-2 lead. The Brewers had a 2-0 until the bottom of the sixth inning when Arizona was able to tie the game. However, it could have been worse. Brewers starter Dave Bush loaded the bases with just one out but was able to get the final two outs without another run scoring. Bush picked up his tenth win of the year by throwing six innings and giving up two runs. He struck out six and walked one. J.J. Hardy was 3-4 with a RBI and two runs scored. Arizona starter Livan Hernandez was charged with the loss. He pitched six innings and gave up five runs.

Wednesday - Diamondbacks win 3-2: The good news for the Brewers on this night is that they were able to stop Brandon Webb's 42 inning scoreless streak. The bad news was they could not score enough runs to sweep the Diamondbacks. The Brewers ended Webb's streak in the first inning when Fielder singled home Gross to make it 1-0. The Diamondbacks came right back with two runs in the bottom of the inning to take the lead. Chris Young homered to lead off the frame and Orlando Hudson, who reached on a triple, scored on a sac fly by Tony Clark. The Brewers tied the game in the sixth inning when Craig Counsell doubled home Gross. The Diamondbacks took the lead for good in the seventh inning when Jeff Cirillo grounded out to first base and Stephen Drew scored.

Jeff Suppan was the tough luck loser for the Brewers. He pitched seven innings and gave up three runs. Suppan only threw 87 pitches. Webb picked up the win for Arizona by pitching seven innings and giving up two runs while striking out five and walking one. Jose Valverde pitched the top of the ninth to pick up his league leading 38th save of the year.

Brewers (63-61) @ Diamondbacks (71-54) - Series Preview

2007-08-20T00:00:00.000-05:00

The Brewers visit Arizona for the only time during the regular season. The Crew took three of four from the Diamondbacks last month at Miller Park. Arizona has been on a torrid pace as of late and are four games ahead of the Padres in the NL West.

Pitching match ups:

Monday - 8:40 PM CDT:

RHP Yovani Gallardo (4-3, 4.84) vs. LHP Doug Davis (10-10, 3.92)

Gallardo has struggled in his last two starts. Last time out, he gave up seven runs to the Cardinals in five and two thirds innings of work. In the month of August, Gallardo is 1-2 with an ERA of 11.40. He has only pitched in 12 games so far in the bigs but Gallardo's ERA on the road is 7.56 compared to 2.97 at Miller Park. Gallardo faced the Diamondbacks last month and pitched six scoreless innings to pick up the win. He gave up only three hits, struck out four and walked two.

Davis will be facing his former team for the second time this year. He faced the Brewers last month at Miler Park and picked up a no-decision. Davis threw six innings and gave up two runs and three hits in that start. The Diamondbacks won that game 5-2. Davis, who is on a five-game winning streak, won his last start by pitching five and a third innings and giving up four runs against the Marlins. In August, Davis is 3-0 with a 2.66 ERA in three starts. Craig Counsell is 5-12 with a homer and two RBI in his career against Davis. Kevin Mench also has a homer in two career at-bats against Davis.

Tuesday - 8:40 PM CDT:

RHP Dave Bush (9-9, 5.01) vs. RHP Livan Hernandez (9-7, 4.86)

Bush had a quality start in his last outing by pitching seven innings and giving up three runs. However, Bush did not receieve any run support and picked up the loss against the Cardinals. Bush beat the Diamondbacks last month when he threw six innings and gave up three runs at Miller Park. In his career against Arizona, Bush is 3-0 with a 3.72 in three starts. Both Mark Reynolds and Chris Young are 2-3 with a homer against Bush in their careers. No current Diamondback has more than two lifetime hits against Bush.

Hernandez picked up a win in his last start. He went seven innings and gave up four runs against the Marlins. Hernandez is 3-0 with a 4.05 ERA in three August starts. He lost to the Brewers last month when he gave up six runs, five earned in five and a third innings of work. In his career against the Brewers, Hernandez is 7-4 with a 3.51 ERA in 17 starts. Counsell is 17-42 with two doubles and four RBI against Hernandez in his career. Johnny Estrada is 9-25 with three doubles and four RBI lifetime against Hernandez.

Wednesday - 8:40 PM CDT:

RHP Jeff Suppan (8-10, 4.89) vs. RHP Brandon Webb (13-8, 2.63)

Suppan pitched five and two thirds innings and gave up four runs, three of which were earned in his last start. Also, Suppan gave up his first home run since June 27th in that start. He was charged with the loss against the Reds. Suppan will be facing the Diamondbacks for the first time this year. In his career against Arizona, Suppan is 2-2 with a 3.86 ERA in five starts. New Diamondback Jeff Cirillo is 10-28 with two doubles and six RBI in his career against Suppan.

Webb will be looking to continue his dominance. He will bring a streak of 42 consecutive scoreless innings into this game. That streak is the second longest since 1969. The major league record is 59 innings by Dodgers pitcher Orel Hershiser. Last time out for Webb, he pitched another shutout, this time against the Braves. Webb gave up just two hits and struck out six in that start. Webb has pitched three straight shutouts. In his last five starts, Webb has struck out 35 batters while walking seven. Webb is 1-1 with a 2.68 ERA in six career starts against the Brewers. Prince Fielder is 5-7 with a homer in his career against Webb.

Reds-Brewers - Series Recap

2007-08-19T17:57:00.000-05:00

The Reds take two of three from the Brewers. The Crew finishes their six-game homestand 1-5.

Friday - Reds win 8-3: Sloppy. That is the best way to describe Friday's game for the Brewers. The Crew committed four errors, two of which came on one play. With the Reds already up 3-0 in the top of the seventh inning, Ken Griffey Jr. hit a groundball to third baseman Ryan Braun who threw wildly toward second base to try to throw out Jeff Keppinger. The ball ended up in right field where Gabe Gross picked it up and threw into foul territory down the third base line. Both Keppinger and Griffey scored on the play to give the Reds a five run lead.

Jeff Suppan started the game for the Brewers and threw five and two thirds innings while giving up four runs, three of which were earned. He picked up his tenth loss of the year. Reds starter Bronson Arroyo pitched seven and a third innings and gave up three runs to pick up the win. J.J. Hardy hit two homers for the Crew. The Brewers tried to battle back in the eighth inning. Down 6-1, the Brewers got solo homers from Hardy and Gabe Gross to pull within three runs. Then, Joe Dillon and Prince Fielder both reached to bring Braun to the plate as the tying run. However, Braun struck out and Jenkins flew out to end that threat. Adam Dunn hit a long two-run homer in the top of the ninth inning to put the Reds up by five at 8-3.

Saturday - Brewers win 8-4: The Crew ended their five game losing streak with help from two three-homers. Gabe Gross hit the first of the three-game home runs in the third and Geoff Jenkins hit the other in the six inning. Claudio Vargas pitched five and two thirds innings and gave up one run to pick his tenth win of the season. Reds starter Elizardo Ramirez made his first of the season in the bigs. He pitched five innings and gave up three runs but was charged with the loss. Fielder and Braun each had RBI hits in the eighth inning to give the Brewers two more runs. Brandon Phillips was 3-5 with two runs scored for the Reds.

Sunday - Reds win 7-6: The Brewers had two leads in this game and blew them both. The Crew got out to a 5-0 lead behind homers by Braun, Bill Hall and Fielder. The Reds got two-run home runs from Dunn and Phillips to pull within one. Jeff Conine hit a sac fly that scored Dunn in the sixth inning to tie the game at five. Dunn was hit by a pitch to reach first and then got to third on two wild pitches from Brewers starter Chris Capuano. J.J. Hardy hit a solo homer to give the Brewers the lead in the seventh inning. But, that lead would not last as well. Javier Valentin hit a two-run double off Scott Linebrink that scored Dunn and Conine to give the Reds a 7-6 lead. That would be enough for the Reds to win the game. Linebrink picked up the loss for the Brewers. Dave Weathers picked up the save for the Reds by pitching out of a jam in the ninth inning. He got Fielder to ground out with two runners on to end the game.

Capuano started for the Brewers and pitched five solid innings but then ran into trouble in the sixth inning. He ended up throwing six and a third innings and gave up five runs. Capuano was charged with a no-decision so his ten-game losing streak continues. Also, the Brewers lost their 16th straight game that Capauno started. Red starter Aaron Harang settled down after giving up five runs in the first three innings. Harang threw six and two thirds innings and gave up six runs. He also received a no-decision. Bill Bray picked up the win for the Reds.

Reds (52-68) @ Brewers (62-59) - Series Preview

2007-08-17T02:08:00.000-05:00

The Brewers will try to salvage something on their current homestand as they take on the Reds in a three-game set at Miller Park. The Crew is holding onto a slim half game lead over the Cubs in the NL Central as play begins Friday. The Cardinals are two and a half games back of first place in the division.

Pitching match ups:

Friday - 7:05 PM CDT:

RHP Bronson Arroyo (5-13, 4.63) vs. RHP Jeff Suppan (8-9, 4,90)

Arroyo will be facing the Brewers for the first time this season. In his career against the Brewers, Arroyo is 4-3 with a 3.56 ERA in ten appearances, seven of which were starts. At Miller Park, Arroyo is 1-1 with a 3.80 ERA in five appearances, three starts. Geoff Jenkins is 5-15 with two doubles, one home run and four RBI in his career against Arroyo. In his last start, Arroyo gave up five runs and nine hits in six innings against the Padres. Arroyo is 1-2 with a 7.53 ERA in three August starts.

Suppan gave up four runs in his last start after giving up a combined three runs in the two starts prior to that start. The veteran righty pitched five and two thirds innings and picked up a no-decision because the Brewers rallied for a late win against the Astros. In his only start against the Reds this year, Suppan gave up five runs and ten hits in five innings of work in a loss. Suppan is 2-1 with a 6.65 ERA in eight career starts against the Reds. Ken Griffey Jr. likes to hit off Suppan to say the least. Junior is 11-22 with five homers and 11 RBI against Suppan in his career.

Saturday - 6:05 PM CDT:

TBA vs. RHP Claudio Vargas (9-4, 4.87)

This spot for the Reds looks like it will be Elizardo Ramirez who would be called up from the minors. Ramirez is 1-0 with a 4.13 ERA in four career starts against the Brewers. He has pitched once before at Miller Park. Ramirez gave up three runs in six innings of work in that start against the Brewers. Rickie Weeks is 7-11 with two doubles and a triple against Ramirez in his career. Ramirez has made just one appearance in the bigs this year which was about two weeks ago against the Nationals.

Vargas picked up a quality start in his last outing. He threw six innings and gave up two runs against the Astros in a no-decision as the Brewers lost the game. Vargas pitched two very poor games before that start. He will be facing the Reds for the first time this season. In his career against the Reds, Vargas is 1-2 with a 5.52 ERA in four starts. No active Red has more than two career hits against Vargas. Griffey is 2-2 with a homer against Vargas.

Sunday - 1:05 PM CDT:

RHP Aaron Harang (12-3, 3.50) vs. LHP Chris Capuano (5-10, 5.23)

Harang picked up another win in his last outing. He threw seven innings and gave up five runs and four hits against the Cubs. Last time he faced the Brewers, Harang pitched ten innings and gave up just one run. The Brewers lost that game in 12 innings. In his career against the Brewers, Harang is 4-3 with a 4.46 ERA in 12 starts. Bill Hall is 14-33 with four doubles, a triple, two homers and seven RBI in his career against Harang. Kevin Mench is 6-11 with a double, a homer and six RBI against Harang. Since the All-Star break, Harang is 3-1 with a 2.95 ERA in six starts.

Capuano gets the loss. It's becoming sort of a broken record as Capuano has now lost ten straight games. The Brewers have lost the last 15 games that Capuano has started. In his latest loss, Capuano gave up seven runs, six earned in four and one third innings of work against the Cardinals. Manager Ned Yost has talked about considering the team's options if Capauno cannot turn things around. Capuano has done well against the Reds in 2007. He is 1-0 with a 0.66 ERA in two starts against the Reds this season. In his career against the Reds, Capuano is 2-3 with a 4.53 ERA in seven starts. So far in August, Capuano is 0-3 with a 8.80 ERA. Adam Dunn is 6-19 with two doubles, a homer and three RBI against Capuano in his career.

Cardinals-Brewers - Series Recap

2007-08-17T00:46:00.000-05:00

The Cardinals swept the Brewers in the three-game set. The Brewers were outscored by the Cardinals 28-7 in the series. St. Louis has now won six straight games against the Brewers. In the first six games between the two teams this year, the Brewers were 5-1. Also, with the sweep the Cardinals pulled within two and a half games of the first place Brewers. That is the closest the Cardinals have been to first place since April 20th.

Tuesday - Cardinals win 12-4: On the night the Brewers celebrated the 25th anniversary of winning their only AL Championship, the Crew started fast with a three-run first inning. Home runs by Prince Fielder and Geoff Jenkins gave the Brewers a 3-0 lead against Cardinals starter Kip Wells after one inning. The Cardinals answered back with two runs in the third inning against Brewers starter Chris Capuano. Ryan Ludwick had a two-run double to bring the Cardinals within one run. Then in the fifth inning, the Cardinals took the lead in a big way. They put up six runs in the inning and knocked Capuano out of the game. The Cardinals scored those six runs without an extra base hit and with help from a two-run single by Wells. St. Louis picked up two more runs in both the eighth and ninth innings. Capuano has now lost ten games in a row and the Brewers have lost the last 15 games that Capuano has started. Wells improved his record to 6-13.

Wednesday - Cardinals win 8-3: St. Louis got things going early Wednesday night at Miller Park. Albert Pujols hit a solo home run in the first inning to give the Cardinals the lead. Then two batters later, Jim Edmonds hit a two-run homer that also scored Scott Rolen. Bill Hall cut the lead to two runs with a solo homer in the second inning. That would be the closest the Brewers would get for the rest of the game. The Cardinals picked up a single tally in the fourth inning and then three more in the sixth inning. The first seven runs scored by the Cardinals were charged to Brewers starter Yovani Gallardo who lost for the second time in a row. The Brewers tried to mount a comeback in the final three innings but it was too little too late. Joel Pineiro pitched seven innings and gave up two runs to pick up the win for St. Louis. Rolen was 4-5 with two RBI and three runs scored.

Thursday - Cardinals win 8-0: Yadier Molina led the way with the bat for the Cardinals with his first career multi-home run game. Molina was 3-3 with three runs and three RBI. Adam Wainwright pitched seven shutout innings to pick his 11th win of the season. Molina hit both of his homers against Brewers starter Dave Bush. Those were the only runs that Bush gave up in the game. Bush threw seven innings and gave up seven hits and three runs. Even though he had a quality start, Bush picked up his ninth loss of the year. Derrick Turnbow gave up five runs, four earned in the top of the inning to make the game a total blowout.

Cardinals (55-60) @ Brewers (62-56) - Series Preview

2007-08-13T00:00:00.000-05:00

The Brewers return home for a six-game homestand against the Cardinals and Reds. The Crew lead the season series against St. Louis this year, 5-4. The two teams will play six more times this year, all of which will be at Miller Park.

Here is some more information from Rick Braun of the Journal-Sentinel on the big fly by Ryan Braun in Saturday's game against the Astros. These tidbits make Braun's homer even more impressive.

Pitching match ups:

Tuesday - 7:05 PM CDT:

RHP Kip Wells (5-13, 5.27) vs. LHP Chris Capuano (5-9, 4.96)

Wells beat the Padres in his last start by going seven innings and giving up only one run which was unearned. He gave up six hits, struck out four and walked none in that outing. Wells faced the Brewers last month at the new Busch and picked up a no-decision. He pitched five innings and gave up 11 hits and five runs. Wells is 0-2 with a 7.50 ERA in three starts against the Brewers in 2007. In his career against the Brewers, Wells is 6-8 with a 4.49 ERA in 20 starts. Since the All-Star break, Wells has improved his numbers and is 2-2 with a 3.48 ERA in six starts. On the road this year, Wells is 2-8 with a 6.34 ERA. Johnny Estrada is 7-15 with three doubles and four RBI in his career against Wells.

Capuano's losing streak continued in his last start which was against the Rockies. He pitched five innings and gave up four runs. Capuano now has lost nine games in a row and the Brewers have lost the last 14 games that Capuano has started which ties a franchise record. The Brewer southpaw is 0-1 with a 3.86 ERA in two starts against the Cardinals this year. Capuano is 4-4 with a 5.20 ERA in 11 career starts against the Cardinals. Albert Pujols is 14-25 with three doubles, three homers and ten RBI against Capuano is his career.

Wednesday - 7:05 PM CDT:

RHP Joel Pineiro (2-2, 4.50) vs. RHP Yovani Gallardo (4-2, 4.20)

Pineiro will be making his third start for the Cardinals since being acquired by St. Louis from the Red Sox. With Boston this year, Pineiro came out of the pen. In his last outing, Pineiro pitched seven scoreless innings and gave up four hits to the Padres to pick up the win. This will be Pineiro's first career appearance against the Brewers. Kevin Mench is 7-25 with two homers and three RBI against Pineiro in his career. Mench is only Brewer to have a hit off Pineiro.

There is no other way to put it other than Gallardo was rocked in his last start. He gave up 12 hits and 11 runs in two and thirds innings of work against the Rockies. That outing caused Gallardo's ERA to rise almost two runs. It will be interesting to see how Gallardo pitches in this start but remember many good pitchers have had tough days at Coors Field. In his only start against the Cardinals, Gallardo pitched five innings and gave four runs in a no-decision last month at the new Busch.

Thursday - 1:05 PM CDT:

RHP Adam Wainwright (10-9, 4.21) vs. RHP Dave Bush (9-8, 5.07)

The Brewers have yet to face Wainwright in 2007 who is in his first year as a starter in the big leagues. Wainwright has no record with a 1.00 ERA in seven career appearances against the Brewers. In his last start, Wainwright pitched a complete game but lost to the Dodgers. He gave up two runs and six hits while striking out five and walking one. Since the All-Star break, Wainwright is 3-2 with a 3.07 ERA in six starts. Bill Hall is the only active Brewer with an extra base hit (a double) off Wainwright in his career.

Bush gave up 11 hits and four runs in his last start. He picked up a no-decision as the Brewers made a comeback in that game against the Astros to get Bush off the hook. Bush has yet to face the Cardinals this year but is 0-2 with a 12.60 ERA in two career starts against the Cardinals. Both of those starts came last year and Bush gave up seven earned runs in each of those outings. Jim Edmonds is 3-5 with three doubles and five RBI in his career against Bush.

Brewers-Astros - Series Recap

2007-08-12T17:43:00.000-05:00

The Brewers finished up their road trip by taking two of three from the Astros in Houston. The Crew is now 9-3 against the Astros in 2007 with six games left to play against Houston, three in Milwaukee and three at Minute Maid Park.

Friday - Brewers win 5-4: The Crew was able to snap its four-game losing streak with an 11-inning win over the Astros. Dave Bush was on the mound for the Brewers and he pitched six innings and gave up 11 hits and four runs. Jason Jennings threw five and a third innings for the Astros and gave up three hits and four runs. Bush was in line for the loss until the Brewers tied the game in the sixth inning on a Bill Hall two-run double that scored Rickie Weeks and Corey Hart. The game remained tied after nine innings and went into extra innings.

The Brewers had some close calls late in the game. Mark Loretta hit a deep fly ball to left field in the ninth inning that Geoff Jenkins caught at the wall. Then in the tenth inning, Jason Lane hit a ball into left center that Bill Hall ran down for the third out of the inning. If that ball would have fallen, the game was over. But it didn't so the game went into the 11th inning. Hart came up with Weeks at first and hit a triple down the right field line off Astros reliever Brian Moehler. Weeks scored the winning run and also walked four times in his first game back from Triple-A. Francisco Cordero struck out the side in the bottom of the 11th to pick up the save.

The Astros first took the lead in the bottom of the first inning on a Carlos Lee RBI single that scored Craig Biggio. The Brewers tied the game in the third with a solo homer by J.J. Hardy. It was Hardy's first home run since June 25th which also against Astros starter Jason Jennings. Prince Fielder gave the Brewers the lead with a solo home run in the fourth inning. The Astros answered back in the fifth inning with a three-run homer by Luke Scott against Bush. That lead obviously would not last for Houston.

Saturday - Brewers win 7-4: The Crew came up with another come from behind victory Saturday night at Minute Maid Park. Things looked bleak for the Brewers going into the seventh inning down 4-0 to the Astros. The Brewers scratched their first run when Kevin Mench scored on a double play that was into by Hardy. Two more runs came in the eighth when Hart tripled home Weeks and then Ryan Braun singled in Hart. The Brewers looked poised to tie the game when Mench singled but Braun was thrown out at home by Scott.

The Brewers completed their comeback in the top of the ninth inning against Astros closer Brad Lidge. Hardy and Joe Dillon got it started for the Crew as they both reached on infield singles. Weeks then tried to bunt over the two runners but Hardy was thrown out at third base. Hart was called out on strikes on a pitch that appeared to be inside. Braun came to the plate next and crushed a 1-1 pitch into the left field stands to give the Brewers a 6-4 lead. The pitch was a low slider at 87 miles an hour and Braun turned it into his 22nd home run of the season. Fielder followed next with his 36th home run that extended the Brewers lead to three runs. Cordero pitched a 1-2-3 bottom of the ninth inning to finish off the Astros.

Jeff Suppan started the game for the Brewers and gave up four runs in five and two thirds innings of work. Astros started Wandy Rodriguez continued his dominance at Minute Maid Park. He pitched seven innings and gave up just one run to the Brewers. The Astros scored three of their four runs in the fifth inning. Lee hit a two-run double in that inning and also scored a run in the fifth.

Sunday - Astros win 6-4: The Brewers were unable to finish off the sweep of the Astros Sunday afternoon. This game was neck and neck until the bottom of the eighth inning. The Astros were able to put up a four spot on Carlos Villanueva and Chris Spurling. Lance Berkman led off the inning with a solo homer off Villanueva to give the Astros a 3-2 lead. Villanueva left the game after recording two outs and walking two Astro hitters. Spurling came in and gave up an RBI double to Brad Ausmus that scored Scott. Two batters later Eric Bruntlett singled home Jason Lane and Ausmus to finish the scoring for that inning.

The Brewers tried for another ninth inning comeback as Bill Hall led off with a double against Trever Miller. A great catch by Carlos Lee took away what could have been a double by Jenkins. Damian Miller grounded out to third base and then Hardy hit a two-run homer to pull the Brewers within two. However, Lidge came into the game and was able to pick up the save this time as he got Mench to fly out to right field to end it.

Claudio Vargas started the game for the Brewers and gave up two runs (both on solo homers) in six innings of work. Astros starter Woody Williams also gave up two solo home runs both to Jenkins. Williams threw seven innings and struck out two while walking one.

Brewers (60-55) @ Astros (51-63) - Series Preview

2007-08-10T00:42:00.000-05:00

The Brewers look to right the ship after being swept by the Rockies in Denver. The Crew is 7-2 against the Astros this season and took two of three from Houston in their only series at Minute Maid Park this year. The Brewers will visit Houston one more time before the season is over. Also, the Astros will come to Miller Park for one more series this year.

Tony Graffanino has a torn ACL and is out for the year. Graffanino was injured in the Brewers game against the Rockies Wednesday afternoon. Rickie Weeks has been recalled from Triple-A Nashville to replace Graffanino on the roster.

Pitching match ups:

Friday - 7:05 PM CDT:

RHP Dave Bush (9-8, 5.03) vs. RHP Jason Jennings (2-7, 6.11)

Bush gave up five runs in five innings of work in his last start which was against the Phillies last Saturday at Miller Park. He was in line for the loss until the Brewers came back in eighth inning so Bush was charged with a no-decsion. The last time Bush faced the Astros it was a relief appearance in the Brewers' 11-inning victory over Houston in late June. Bush threw two scoreless innings and gave up just one hit to pick up the win. This season against the Astros, Bush is 2-1 with a 5.87 ERA in three starts. In his one start at Minute Maid Park this year, Bush was hit pretty hard by the Astros. He gave up eight runs, seven of which were earned in five and a third innings in that start. In his career against the Astros, Bush is 4-1 with a 3.45 ERA in seven appearances, six of which were starts. At Minute Maid Park in his career, Bush is 0-1 with a 4.91 ERA in three starts. Lance Berkman is 9-20 with two doubles and three RBI against Bush in his career.

Jennings gave up ten hits and five runs in six and a third innings against Marlins in his last start. He was charged with a no-decision but the Astros lost the game. Jennings had a very tough month of July. He went 1-4 with a 11.35 ERA in that month. This year at Minute Maid Park, Jennings is 1-4 with a 6.36 ERA in nine starts. Jennings lost to the Brewers earlier this year at Miller Park. He pitched seven innings and gave up three runs in that start. In his career against the Brewers, Jennings 2-1 with a 3.56 ERA in five starts. Criag Counsell is 12-31 with two doubles, two homers and three RBI in his career against Jennings.

Saturday - 6:05 PM CDT:

RHP Jeff Suppan (8-9, 4.84) vs. LHP Wandy Rodriguez (7-10, 4.50)

Suppan is coming off back to back solid starts. He pitched five and two thirds innings and gave up just one run to the Phillies in his last start. Suppan was in line for the win until the Brewers bullpen blew the lead in the bottom of the ninth inning. In his only start against the Astros this year, Suppan gave up three runs in six innings of work in a no-decision at Miller Park. Suppan struck out seven and walked none in that start. He is 2-6 with a 4.71 ERA in 12 career appearances (11 starts) against the Astros. In his career at Minute Maid Park, Suppan is 1-2 with a 6.23 ERA in four appearances, three of which were starts. Berkman also hits Suppan pretty well as he is 12-27 with four doubles, three homers and 11 RBI against the Brewers righty.

Rodriguez had another great start at home last time out. He pitched eight innings and gave up just one run to the Cubs. The southpaw picked up a no-decision as the Astros won the game in ten innings. At Minute Maid Park this year, Rodriguez is 6-2 with a 1.69 ERA in 11 starts. Compare that with an ERA of 8.16 ERA on the road in 2007. Rodriguez is 0-2 with a 9.82 ERA in two starts this year against the Brewers. However, both those starts came at Miller Park. In his career against the Brewers, Rodriguez is 2-4 with a 5.60 ERA in nine appearances, eight of which were starts. Corey Hart is 8-14 with a double and three RBI against Rodriguez. Weeks should be back in the lineup for the Brewers Saturday after Counsell starts Friday's game. The young second baseman is 4-11 with a double and a RBI in his career against Rodriguez.

Sunday - 1:05 PM CDT:

RHP Claudio Vargas (9-4, 4.97) vs. RHP Woody Williams (6-12, 5.21)

Vargas had a very tough beginning to his last start. He gave up six runs in the first two innings against the Rockies. Then Vargas pitched five scoreless innings to help out the worn out Brewers bullpen. The Brewers still lost the game 6-2 to the Rockies. After a solid month of July, Vargas is 0-2 with a 12.10 ERA in two starts in August. Vargas is 1-0 with a 3.60 ERA in two starts against the Astros this year. The first of those two starts was at Minute Maid Park and Vargas pitched five scoreless to pick up the win in that outing. In his career against the Astros, Vargas is 3-2 with a 4.11 ERA in eight appearances, six of which were starts. Carlos Lee is 5-15 with three home runs and seven RBI in his career against Vargas.

Williams picked up a win in his last outing which was against the Cubs. The veteran righty threw six innings and gave up just one run. Righties are hitting .301 this year against Williams compared to .267 for his career. Williams is 0-1 with a 3.75 ERA in two starts against the Brewers this year. He has faced the Brewers more than any other team in his career. Williams is 12-6 with a 3.05 ERA in 29 career appearances (20 starts) against the Brewers. Damian Miller is 13-28 with four doubles and three RBI in his career against the Brewers.

Brewers-Rockies - Series Recap

2007-08-08T21:14:00.000-05:00

The Brewers were swept by the Rockies in a three-game set at Coors Field in Denver. The Rockies win the season series over the Brewers, 4-2.

Monday - Rockies win 6-2: The Rockies started fast in this game with four runs in the bottom of the first inning against Claudio Vargas. Todd Helton singled home Kazuo Matsui with two outs for the first run of the game. Then, two batters later Brad Hawpe hit a three-run homer to finish up the scoring for that inning. Prince Fielder lead off the second with a solo homer to get the Brewers on the board. In the bottom of that inning, Matt Holliday hit a two-run home run to give the Rockies a 6-1 lead.

Vargas then pitched five scoreless innings but it was too little too late for the Brewers. Ryan Braun hit a solo home-run in the fourth inning to give the Brewers their last run of the game. Josh Fogg pitched seven innings and gave up two runs to pick up the win for the Rockies.

Tuesday - Rockies win 11-4: Chris Capuano was looking to end his eight-game losing streak and was unable to do so. Capuano gave up four runs in five innings and picked up the loss. The Brewers got out to a 3-0 lead via three sacrifice flys. Then in the bottom of the sixth inning, the Rockies picked up two runs to chase Capuano from the game. Carlos Villanueva came in for the Brewers and allowed three more runs to score.

The Rockies picked up another run in the seventh run with a homer by Todd Helton off Scott Linebrink. The Brewers were still in the game so to speak in the bottom of the eighth but the Rockies picked up five more runs in that inning off Brian Shouse and Chris Spurling. Helton, Garrett Atkins and Ryan Spilborghs each had three hits for the Rockies. Helton also had three RBI for Colorado.

Wednesday - Rockies win 19-4: Rookie righty Yovani Gallardo has been the Brewers' best starter since rejoining the rotation. On Wednesday though, Gallardo ran into big trouble as he gave up 11 runs in just two and two thirds innings of work against the Rockies. He also gave up 12 hits and struck out just one, very unlike Gallardo.

Here are the gory details from the box score. Matsui went 3-4 with two RBI and four runs scored. Troy Tulowitzki was 4-5 with two doubles, a homer, four runs and three RBI. Holliday went 2-3 with two RBI and two runs. Atkins was 4-4 with two doubles and six RBI. Spilborghs went 3-6 with three runs and a homer. And finally, Yorvit Torrealba was 3-6 with three runs scored. Prince Fielder hit his 34th home run of the year for the Brewers. Jeff Francis picked up the win for the Rockies. He pitched five innings and gave up three runs while striking out five.

Brewers (60-52) @ Rockies (56-54) - Series Preview

2007-08-06T00:46:00.000-05:00

The Brewers hit the road to face the Rockies in a three-game set at Coors Field. The Crew went 3-3 on their six-game homestand against the Mets and Phillies. The Brewers took two of three games from the Rockies at Miller Park back in July. The Rockies are coming off losing two of three to the Braves in Atlanta.

Pitching match ups:

Monday - 8:05 PM CDT:

RHP Claudio Vargas (9-3, 4.78) vs. RHP Josh Fogg (5-7, 4.87)

Vargas had his worst start of the season last time out after having his best start of the year. He pitched only two and third innings and gave up seven runs including two three-run homers to the Mets at Miller Park. It was Vargas' first loss at home in 2007. Also, it was the first time the Brewers lost this year when Vargas started at Miller Park. In his career against the Rockies, Vargas is 4-0 with a 4.76 ERA in eight appearances, seven of which were starts. Garrett Atkins is 6-16 with three doubles, two home runs and five RBI against Vargas.

Fogg was charged with a loss in his last start. He gave up three earned in five innings of work against the Mets. At Coors Field this year, Fogg is 2-3 with a 5.54 ERA seven appearances, six of which were starts. Righties are hitting .322 against Fogg in 2007. Fogg has a record of 5-4 with a 3.84 ERA in 14 starts against the Brewers. Geoff Jenkins is 15-29 with three doubles, four home runs and nine RBI against Fogg in his career. Also, Damian Miller is 7-15 with a home run and two RBI in his career against Fogg.

Tuesday - 8:05 PM CDT:

LHP Chris Capuano (5-8, 4.86) vs. RHP Jason Hirsh (4-7, 4.91)

Capuano has lost eight straight decisions after losing his last start to the Mets. He gave up five runs and ten hits in six innings of work. Capuano struck out eight Met hitters in that outing. The Brewers have lost the 13 games that Capuano has started. Capuano is 4-2 with a 2.58 ERA in seven career starts against the Rockies. Those solid numbers even include Capuano's start against the Rockies earlier this year at Miller Park. Capuano gave up five runs in three innings of work in that start. At Coors Field, Capuano is 2-1 with a 2.14 ERA in in three starts. Matt Holliday is 7-17 with a double, a homer and two RBI against Capuano in his career.

Hirsh pitched for the first time since July 2nd in his last start which was against the Marlins last week. He threw five and a third innings and gave up three runs in a no-decision. The righty missed a month with a sprained right ankle. Hirsh is 2-4 with a 5.00 ERA (only a tad higher than his overall ERA) at Coors Field this year. In his career against the Brewers, Hirsh is 2-0 with a 3.97 ERA in two starts. Both of those starts came in the second half last year when Hirsh was a member of the Astros. Corey Hart is 2-5 with a homer against Hirsh in his career.

Wednesday - 2:05 PM CDT:

RHP Yovani Gallardo (4-1, 2.55) vs. LHP Jeff Francis (12-5, 4.01)

Gallardo picked up his fourth win of the year in his last start. He threw six and a third innings, gave up one run and struck out seven against the Phillies at Miller Park. Gallardo also scored the winning run in the game as the Brewers won 2-1. The young righty faced the Rockies back in July when he replaced an Ben Sheets. Gallardo threw four and two thirds innings in relief and gave up just one hit. That was Gallardo's first appearance against the Rockies in his career. Yorvit Torrealba was the only Rockie to get a hit off Gallardo in that outing.

Francis is on a seven-game win streak that includes a win over the Brewers last month at Miller Park. In that start, Francis pitched five innings and gave up six runs but still picked up the win. Francis won his last start which was against the Braves. He threw six innings and gave up just one run while striking out eight and walking none. In his career against the Brewers, Francis is 1-2 with a 9.77 ERA in three starts. Ryan Braun went 2-4 with two homers and four RBI against Francis last month at Miller Park.

Phillies-Brewers - Series Recap

2007-08-05T21:53:00.000-05:00

The Brewers took two of three from the Phillies. The season series was won by the Phillies 4-3.

Friday - Brewers win 2-1: Yovani Gallardo came up with a big-time performance for the Brewers Friday night at Miller Park. Not only did Gallardo pitch a great game for the Crew, he only also had a single and scored the winning run with a great slide. Gallardo pitched six and two thirds inning, gave up one run and struck out seven. He picked up his fourth win of the season.

The Brewers scored their first run of the game when Prince Fielder singled home Corey Hart in the first inning. Hart was able knock to the ball out of Phillies catcher Chris Coste's glove at homeplate. Gallardo scored the winning run in the fifth inning on a single by Ryan Braun. Pat Burrell brought the Phillies within one with a homer in the seventh inning. But, that would be as close as the Phillies would get. Francisco Cordero struck out the side in the ninth to pick up the save, his 33rd of the year.

Saturday - Brewers win 6-5: Fielder had a huge night for the Crew Saturday night at Miller Park. He came up with a big two-run homer in the eighth innng that completed the Brewers' comeback against the Phillies. Also, Fielder had an RBI single in the sixth inning that brought the Brewers within one run.

The Brewers struck first in the game with a Ryan Braun solo homer in the first inning. Dave Bush had a 1-2-3 first inning but things did not go as well in the second inning. Ryan Howard led off the inning with a solo home run to tie the game at one. Then two batters later, Burrell hit a two-run homer that also scored Aaron Rowand who reached on a walk. The Phillies added to their lead in the fourth inning with a solo home run by Greg Dobbs. While the Phillies added to their lead, Cole Hamels was shutting down the Brewers. The Phillies scored their last run of the game in the sixth when Carlos Ruiz doubled home Dobbs who also doubled.

The Crew started their comeback in the bottom of the sixth inning. Tony Graffanino was able to beat out a grounder down the first base line to start the inning. Graffanino slid head first into first base to miss the tag of Howard. New Brewer Joe Dillon then pinch hit for Brian Shouse and also reached on an infield hit. Two batters later, J.J. Hardy hit a two-run double that scored Graffanino and Dillon. Fielder then brought the Brewers within one with a single that scored Hardy. Two innings later, Fielder hit a two-run homer to give the Brewers the lead for good. Cordero pitched a 1-2-3 ninth to pick up the save. It was not an ordinary 1-2-3 inning though. All three outs were fly outs to Corey Hart. With one out, Tadahito Iguchi hit a high fly ball to right field that looked like a homer but Hart snatched it at the top of right field wall to rob Iguchi of a home run.

Sunday - Phillies win 8-6: This game ended up being very similar to two games from the Brewers' last roadtrip. The Brewers started fast with a four-run lead in the first inning off Phillies starter Adam Eaton. Kevin Mench doubled in Hart for the first run. Then, Geoff Jenkins doubled in Fielder and Mench. Damian Miller brought in the final run of the inning also with a double. The Brewers added to their lead in the fifth inning with two more runs. Ryan Braun hit a solo homer, his 20th of the year. Jenkins singled home Mench who doubled to reach base.

The Phillies picked up their first run of the game in the sixth inning on a single by Rowand that scored Iguchi. The Brewers had a five-run lead going into the ninth inning. Matt Wise started the inning and gave up a two-run homer to Jason Werth that also scored Wes Helms who reached on a fielding error by Wise. Cordero came in to replace Wise because the Phillies pulled within three runs and Wise looked lost on the mond. The Brewers' closer quickly picked up two outs. However, after that things fell apart. A walk by Jimmy Rollins, a single by Iguchi and another walk by Burrell loaded the bases. Cordero then hit Howard with a pitch to score Rollins. Rowand hit a groundball to the left side that just got past the glove of Braun and into left field. Braun was charged with his 16th error of the season. That tied the game at six and then the game went into extra innings. Helms came up with the game-winning hit in the 11th inning for the Phillies on a two-run double that scored Howard and Rowand. The Brewers loaded the bases in the bottom of the inning but Craig Counsell lined out sharply to Iguchi to end the game.

Phillies (57-51) @ Brewers (58-51) - Series Preview

2007-08-03T00:06:00.000-05:00

The Brewers look to get back on track before they head on the road again. The Phillies make their only appearance at Miller Park this year in a three-game weekend set against the Crew. The Brewers lost three of four at Philadelphia earlier this year.

Milwaukee Journal Sentinel beat writer Tom Haudricourt was able to talk with Brewers manager Ned Yost in a bit more detail about the altercation that happened in the dugout during Thursday's game with the Mets.

Pitching match ups:

Friday - 7:05 PM CDT:

RHP Kyle Kendrick (5-1, 4.04) vs. RHP Yovani Gallardo (3-1, 2.72)

Kendrick won his last start by going seven innings against the Pirates and giving up just one run while striking out four and walking one. He made his major league debut June 13th against the White Sox. This will be his first appearance against the Brewers in his career. In the month of July, Kendrick went 3-1 with a 3.58 ERA in six starts. Kendrick was drafted in the seventh round by the Phillies in 2003. Righties are hitting just .212 against Kendrick while lefties have a .324 batting average against the young righty.

Gallardo had everything going right for him in his last start until the bottom of the fifth inning. He had pitched four scoreless innings against the Cardinals. Gallardo gave up four runs in the fifth and would not last past that inning. He still sports an ERA under three and has done a nice job filling in for the injured Ben Sheets. Gallardo will be facing the Phillies for the first time in his career. Lefties are hitting just .173 against Gallardo so far this year in the bigs.

Saturday - 6:05 PM CDT:

LHP Cole Hamels (12-5, 3.50) vs. RHP Dave Bush (9-8, 4.87)

Hamels has established himself as an elite young pitcher during this season. The southpaw beat the Cubs last time out by throwing eight innings. He gave up just one run and struck out eight at Wrigley Field. Hamels beat the Brewers earlier this year in Philadelphia. He also pitched eight innings in that start and gave up two runs. In his career against the Brewers, Hamels is 1-0 with a 3.77 ERA in two starts. The other start came last year at Miller Park. No Brewer has more than one hit against Hamels. J.J. Hardy has a home run in his career against Hamels.

Bush picked a win in his last outing which was a relief appearance against the Mets on Tuesday. In his last start, Bush gave up four runs in five and a third innings against the Reds. He ended up with a no-decision and the Brewers lost in extra innings. In the month of July, Bush was 2-2 with a 4.45 ERA in five starts. The righty is 5-5 with a 4.30 ERA in starts at home this year. Bush has no record in three starts against the Phillies with an ERA of 5.40. He faced the Phillies in May and threw five and a third innings. Bush gave up runs, struck out four and walked none in a no-decision. Jimmy Rollins is 4-10 with two doubles, one home run and two RBI against Bush in his career.

Sunday - 1:05 PM CDT:

RHP Adam Eaton (9-7, 5.87) vs. Jeff Suppan (8-9, 4.87 ERA)

Eaton lost his last start against the Cubs at Wrigley. He pitched five and a third innings and gave up five runs, four of which were earned. Eaton faced the Brewers in May and threw seven and a third innings and gave up just one earned run. He ended up with a no-decision. Eaton was 2-2 with a 6.21 ERA in six July starts. In his career against the Brewers, Eaton is 2-0 with a 4.20 ERA in five starts. Craig Counsell is 5-14 in his career against Eaton.

Suppan had a quality start in his last outing which was against the Mets. He pitched six and a third innings and gave up two runs. Suppan received a no-decision for his efforts though. The veteran righty needed a good start to back on the right track and he had one. In his career against the Phillies, Suppan is 3-5 with a 6.75 ERA in nine starts. Suppan lost to the Phillies back in May when he threw six innings and gave up six runs, four of which were earned. Pat Burrell is 7-16 with two homers and seven RBI against Suppan in his career.

Mets-Brewers - Series Recap

2007-08-02T20:25:00.000-05:00

The Mets take the two-game series over the Brewers, two games to one. The Brewers have now lost four series in a row. The Mets win the season series against the Brewers, 4-2.

Tuesday - Brewers win 4-2: This game felt like it never would end. Tom Glavine was going for his 300th career win. He was in line for the win in the bottom of the eighth inning when Bill Hall doubled against Guillermo Mota to score J.J. Hardy which tied the game at two. The Brewers had the first lead of the game when Hardy scored on a ground out by Prince Fielder. The Brewers would lead 1-0 until the sixth inning when David Wright singled home Jose Reyes. Two hitters later, Moises Alou hit a sac fly that scored Wright to give the Mets a 2-1 lead. Jeff Suppan went six and a third innings for the Brewers and gave up two runs.

The game went into extra innings tied at two and stay tied until the bottom of the 13th inning. That is when Geoff Jenkins hit a two-run game winning homer against Aaron Sele. The Brewers had plenty of chances before that inning but the bullpen pitched great for the Crew to kept them in the game until Jenkins won the game. Chris Spurling pitched two and a third scoreless innings gave up just two hits. Dave Bush picked up the win with after pitching a scoreless 13th inning for the Crew.

Wednesday- Mets win 8-5: This game started well for the Brewers but did not stay that way. The Brewers got the scoring going in the bottom of the first inning. Prince Fielder hit a 447-foot three-run homer to center field. It hit off the Miller Lite advertisement on the scoreboard. However, the Mets answered right back with four runs in second inning. Marlon Anderson had a RBI single and Ramon Castro hit a three-run homer off Claudio Vargas. The Brewers took the lead back in the bottom of the second inning. Corey Hart had a RBI single and then Hardy hit a single that scored Hart from first base because of a fielding error by Shawn Green. That lead would not last for the Brewers either. Anderson hit a three-run homer in the top of the third inning that chased Vargas from the game. He was replaced by Manny Parra who gave up only one run in six and a third innings of relief. Parra struck out eight and walked just one.

The Brewers could not get any closer than two runs for the rest of the game. Green extended the Mets' lead to three runs with a solo homer in the sixth run. The Brewers got the tying run to plate in the ninth inning against Billy Wagner but could not score any runs against him.

Thursday - Mets win 12-4: The rubber match started out with the Mets taking a 2-0 lead in the top of the first inning. Carlos Delgado doubled home Wright for the first run of the game. Alou then brought home Delgado to give the Mets a 2-0 lead after one half inning. The Brewers tied the game at two with RBI singles from Tony Graffanino and Chris Capuano in the second inning. Corey Hart answered a Wright fifth inning home run with a homer of his own in the bottom of the inning. That home run tied the game at three.

The Mets took the lead for good in the sixth with a Damion Easley inside-the-park home run that also scored Alou. That gave the Mets a 5-3 lead. Capuano ended throwing six innings and gave up five runs while striking out eight Met hitters. The Mets picked up three more runs in the seventh inning off Carlos Villanueva. That wasn't all for the Mets. They scored four more runs in the ninth inning off Chris Spurling. Corey Hart added his second solo homer of the game in the bottom of the ninth to bring the final score to 12-4 Mets.

Mets (59-46) @ Brewers (57-49) - Series Preview

2007-07-31T01:50:00.000-05:00

The Brewers return home to start a six-game homestand. The Crew will take on the Mets in three-game set at Miller Park. The Brewers lost two of three when they played the Mets at Shea Stadium back in May. This will be the last time the Brewers play the Mets this season.

The Crew will be without Scott Linebrink for the first two games of the series because Linebrink will be with his wife for a couple days. Linebrink's wife gave birth on Monday.

The Mets traded for second baseman Luis Castillo from the Twins Monday. Ruben Gotay had been filling in for the injured Jose Valentin at second base for the Mets. Look for Castillo to step right into the two-hole in the starting lineup for the Mets. Also, the Mets will be without Carlos Beltran for the series as he is out with a strained oblique muscle. Look for Lastings Milledge to be in center field for much of the series against the Crew according to the New York Daily News.

Pitching match ups:

Tuesday - 7:05 PM CDT:

LHP Tom Glavine (9-6, 4.51) vs. RHP Jeff Suppan (8-9, 5.08)

Glavine will be looking to make history Tuesday at Miller Park. The veteran southpaw stands at 299 wins for his career. Glavine would be the 23rd pitcher in baseball history with 300 wins. There is a lot of talk that Glavine could be the last pitcher to reach the milestone. In his career against the Brewers, Glavine is 6-3 with a 4.50 ERA in 12 starts. Johnny Estrada is 6-17 with one double and two RBI against Glavine in his career. Glavine picked up win number 299 in his last start which was against the Pirates. He threw six innings and gave up eight hits and three runs. In the month of July, Glavine is 2-1 with a 5.90 ERA in five starts.

Suppan's struggles continued in his last start against the Reds. He gave up five runs and ten hits in five innings of work in that outing. The last time Suppan pitched more then six innings was June 12th against the Tigers when he pitched six and a third innings. When he faced the Mets earlier this year, Suppan threw six innings and gave up four runs in a loss. Suppan was the NLCS MVP last year against the Mets. In his career against the Mets not including the postseason, Suppan is 3-2 with a 2.81 ERA in seven starts. Paul Lo Duca is 7-19 with with two doubles and four RBI against Suppan in his career.

Wednesday - 7:05 PM CDT:

LHP Oliver Perez (9-7, 2.84) vs. RHP Dave Bush (8-8, 4.91)

Perez faced his former team, the Pirates, in his last start and gave up five runs in six innings. He was charged with his seventh loss of the year. Even with that outing, Perez had a solid month of July with a record of 2-1 and a 1.40 ERA in three starts. Perez beat the Brewers back in May by throwing eight and a third solid innings in which he gave up just one run and two hits. In his career against the Brewers, Perez is 2-1 with a 4.04 ERA in six starts. Craig Counsell is the only Brewer with more than two hits against Perez. He is 3-12 against Perez in his career.

Bush gave up four runs in five and a third innings in his last outing which was against the Reds. He ended up with a no-decision and the Brewers lost in extra innings. In the month of July, Bush was 2-2 with a 4.45 ERA in five starts. The righty is 5-5 with a 4.30 ERA in starts at home this year. Bush will be facing the Mets for the second time in his career. He beat the Mets last season by throwing six innings and giving up three earned runs. Carlos Delgado is 2-3 with a homer in his career against Bush.

Thursday - 1:05 PM CDT:

RHP Jorge Sosa (7-6, 4.59) vs. RHP Claudio Vargas (9-2, 4.30)

Sosa beat Suppan and the Brewers earlier this year at Shea Stadium. He pitched six and two thirds innings and gave up two runs. In his career against the Brewers, Sosa is 1-1 with a 1.40 ERA in seven appearances, three of which were starts. Geoff Jenkins is 5-10 with a homer and a double against Sosa in his career. Sosa lost to the Nationals in his last start. He gave up five runs in six innings of work. Sosa had a tough month of July with a record of 0-3 and an ERA of 7.31 in three starts.

Vargas had his best outing of the year last time out. He pitched eight solid innings and gave up two runs against the Cardinals. It was the first time that Vargas pitched more than six innings in any start this year. The Brewers are now 15-3 in games that Vargas starts. Vargas has not had much luck against the Mets in his career. He is 0-2 with a 9.13 ERA in three starts against the Mets. Moises Alou is 7-18 with a double, a homer and four RBI in his career against Vargas.

Brewers-Cardinals - Series Recap

2007-07-29T17:45:00.000-05:00

The Brewers could have easily went 6-2 on their road trip but instead ended up 2-6 after losing two to the Reds on walk-off hits and blowing two large leads to the Cardinals. The Brewers lost three of four games to the Cardinals in St. Louis in the four-game set. This was the Brewers' last trip to St. Louis this year.

Friday - Brewers win 12-2: The Brewers looked to start the series off on a good note and they did just that. Not even the rain could stop the Brewers on Friday night. The Brewers pounded out 12 runs and 19 hits against Cardinal pitching. Claudio Vargas was on the mound looking to eat up some innings for the Brewers. He rose to the challenge and he had his longest outing of the season. Vargas pitched eight solid innings and gave up two runs and nine hits. He also struck eight and walked just one Cardinal hitter. It was the first time this year that Vargas threw more than six innings.

The Brewers got their scoring going in the third inning with a J.J. Hardy RBI single that scored Corey Hart who reached on a double. Three hitters later, Bill Hall singled home Hardy and Prince Fielder who just hit a ground-rule double. Then the rains came and there was a 39-minute delay. After the delay, the Brewers kept things going in the inning. Three straight singles by Kevin Mench, Johnny Estrada and Tony Graffanino scored two more runs to give the Brewers a five-run lead after two and a half innings. Hart added to the Brewers' lead in the fourth inning with a solo home run. A leadoff double by Bill Hall chased Cardinals starting pither Mike Maroth from the game. Kelvin Jimenez replaced Maroth and things did not get much better for the Cardinals. The Brewers tacked on four runs in the inning with Graffanino, Hart, Hardy and Braun picking up RBI in the inning. Graffanino picked up another RBI in the ninth inning and Geoff Jenkins drove home Graffanino with a double as a pinch hitter. Mench ended up with four hits. Hall and Hart each had three hits for the Crew.

Saturday - Game 1 - Cardinals win 7-6: This one looked like a Brewer win for much of the afternoon. The Brewers struck first in the first inning with a solo homer from Ryan Braun. Then, the Crew added to their lead with a three-run second inning. All three of those runs came after two outs which would become a theme for this game. Craig Counsell doubled in Damian Miller for the first run in the inning. Braun then singled home Counsell and Hart to bring the Brewers lead to 4-0. In the top of the fourth inning, the Brewers scored two more runs with two outs. Brewers starting pitcher Manny Parra picked up his first major leauge hit with a two-run double that scored Graffanino and Miller. Cardinals pitched Brad Thompson pitched only three innings in the game.

The Cardinals started their comeback in the bottom of the third inning. Parra gave up two unearned runs in the inning to bring the Cardinals within four. Braun committed a fielding error that allowed David Eckstein to reach. Albert Pujols brought home the first run for the Cardinals with a sacrifice fly that scored Aaron Miles. Juan Encarnacion then singled home Eckstein for his first of three RBI in the game. Encarnacion came up another two-out RBI single in the fifth inning that scored Pujols who doubled. That run cut the Brewers lead in half at 6-3. Parra left after the sixth inning and was charged with just one earned run. That gave Parra a quality start in first ever start in the bigs. Encarnacion recorded his third RBI again with two outs in the seventh inning a bring the Cardinals within two runs. As for the Brewers, their offense shut down after the third inning. They were only able to record one hit after the third inning. Still, the Brewers were in line to win the game after Derrick Turnbow pitched a scoreless eighth inning. Francisco Cordero came to close for the Crew and was unable to get the job done for a second straight outing. Cordero gave up four hits and three runs including the game-winning single by Ryan Ludwick. The Brewers' closer now has five blown saves this year and all of them have come on the road.

Saturday - Game 2 - Cardinals win 5-2: This game started the exact opposite way the first game of the doubleheader did for the Brewers. The Cardinals picked up three runs in the bottom of the first inning off Brewers' starter Chris Capuano. Again, the damage came with two outs in the inning. Capuano was able to get Pujols to hit into a double play which left Eckstein at third base. After a walk of Encarnacion, Rolen doubled home Eckstein for the first run of the game. Jim Edmonds then singled which scored Encarnacion and Rolen. After giving up those runs, Capuano really settled down and threw five straight scoreless innings. The Brewers picked up two runs during those innings to pull within one. Fielder scored on a sac fly off the bat of Jenkins in the second inning and Hart hit a solo homer in the sixth.

The Brewers were unable to get any closer than one run. Ryan Franklin and Jason Isringhausen shut down the Brewers for the final three innings of the game. In the bottom of the seventh inning, the Cardinals picked up two insurance runs. After facing two batters in that inning, Capuano was replaced by Matt Wise leaving Eckstein at third base who doubled to lead off the inning. Eckstein would come around to score on a single by Pujols. For some reason the Brewers decided to go after Pujols even with first base open. Brewers televsion analyst Bill Schroeder did not like the decision from the beginning of Pujols' at-bat and he was right. Pujols then stole second base and scored on a single by Encarnacion. That would be the end of the scoring for the night.

Sunday - Cardinals win 9-5: The Brewers struck first with a three-run third inning off Cardinals starter Kip Wells. Braun singled home Hart for the first run of the game. Wells then struck out Fielder and Hall, both looking. The Brewers added to their lead in the fifth when Brewers starter Yovani Gallardo had a two-run single that scored Hall and Fielder. Rickie Weeks was intentionally walked by Wells so he could face Gallardo with two outs. Obviously, that decision did not work for the Cardinals.

Gallardo did not give up a hit until the bottom of the fifth inning. That is when things came apart for Gallardo. Scott Spiezio led off the inning with a double. Spiezio scored on an RBI groundout by pinch hitter Encarnacion. Eckstein batted next and he doubled home Yadier Molina who reached on a four-pitch walk. Encarnacion scored on a passed ball by Estrada while Ludwick was batting. As the rains came down, Ludwick grounded out to Hardy but Eckstein scored the Cardinals' fourth run of the inning to bring them within one. Gallardo was pulled after the fifth inning. His final line was five innings, four earned runs, four hits, seven strikeouts, and two walks.

The Cardinals finished their comeback in the bottom of the eighth inning. After Scott Linebrink got out of a jam in the seventh inning, Turnbow and Carlos Villanueva could not do the same thing in the eighth. Turnbow and Villanueva combined to give up five runs in the inning and that was the game. Scott Rolen signed home Skip Schumaker to tie the game off Turnbow. Two batters later, Villanueva walked Ludwick which scored the go ahead run for the Cardinals. Pulojs then cleared the bases with a double that scored thee runs.

Brewers (56-46) @ Cardinals (46-52) - Series Preview

2007-07-26T21:29:00.000-05:00

The Brewers finish up their eight-game roadtrip with a four-game weekend series in St. Louis against the Cardinals. The Reds took three of four from the Brewers in the first series of the roadtrip. The Brewers and Cardinals will play a doubleheader Saturday to make up a rained out game from April.

New Brewer reliever Scott Linebrink will join the team in St. Louis and wear number 40. Linebrink is expected to be in uniform and be ready to pitch Friday.

Pitching match ups:

Friday - 7:10 PM CDT:

RHP Claudio Vargas (8-2, 4.47) vs. LHP Mike Maroth (5-5, 5.82)

Vargas pitched six innings and gave up three runs in his last start against the Giants to pick his eighth win of the season. He threw 87 pitches, gave up five hits, struck out four and walked one. The Brewers are 14-3 in games that Vargas starts. In his career against the Cardinals, Vargas is 1-4 with a 7.89 ERA in seven appearances, six of which were starts. He has yet to face the Cardinals during this season. Albert Pujols is 6-11 with three homers and seven RBI against Vargas in his career.

Maroth has struggled in the month of July. He is 0-3 with an ERA of 11.00 in four starts. In his last start, Maroth gave up 11 hits and ten runs in five innings of work against the Braves. Obviously, he picked up the loss in that game. Maroth faced the Brewers earlier this year when he was a member of the Tigers. He pitched seven innings and gave up just one run in a no-decision. The Brewers ended winning the game on a eighth inning two-run homer by Bill Hall off Tigers reliever Fernando Rodney. Maroth was traded to the Cardinals a couple weeks later. This will be Maroth's second career start against the Brewers. Tony Graffanino is 14-37 with a double, a triple, a homer and three RBI off Maroth in his career.

Saturday - Game 1 - 12:10 PM CDT:

LHP Manny Parra (0-0, 3.86) vs. RHP Brad Thompson (6-4, 4.93)

Parra gets the call as the Brewers needed someone out of the pen to start the first game of this doubleheader. This will be Parra's first big league start. Parra has made two appearances out of the pen, giving up one run in two and a third innings of work. He will be facing the Cardinals for the first time in his career. Earlier this year, Parra pitched a perfect game for the Nashville Sounds, the Brewers' Triple-A affiliate.

Thompson pitched six innings and gave up two runs in his last start against the Braves. The Cardinals won the game but Thompson received a no-decision. Lefties are hitting .355 against Thompson this season compared to .309 for his career. This will be Thompson's first ever start against the Brewers. He has made 13 relief appearances against the Brewers in his career. Three of those appearances came earlier this year. Thompson is 0-0 with a 2.60 ERA and a .161 batting average against in those appearances against the Crew. Graffanino is 3-6 with a double, a homer and four RBI against Thompson in his career.

Saturday - Game 2- 7:10 PM CDT:

LHP Chris Capuano (5-6, 4.64) vs. RHP Anthony Reyes (0-10, 6.40)

Capuano has pitched very nicely in his last two starts. Last time out, Capuano went eight innings and gave up one run against the Reds. However, Reds starter Aaron Harang was just as good as Capuano and the game went into extra innings. The Reds won the game in the 12th inning on a Javier Valentin single. The Brewers have lost 11 straight games that Capuano has started. In his career against the Cardinals, Capuano is 4-3 with a 5.14 ERA in ten starts. Pujols is 13-22 with two doubles, three homers and ten RBI in his career against Capuano. In his only start against the Cardinals this year, Capuano left after three innings of work because his right calf was struck by a batted ball. Capuano gave up no runs and two hits in those three innings.

Reyes will called up from Triple-A Memphis to make this start for the Cardinals. It has been a rough go of it for Reyes this year in the big leagues as his win-loss record demonstrates. In six starts at Triple-A, Reyes is 1-1 with a 2.79 ERA. His last start in the big leagues was June 27th against the Mets, he pitched five innings and gave up two runs. Reyes also opposed Capuano earlier this year and gave up four runs, three earned in six innings of work in a loss. In his career against the Brewers, Reyes is 2-2 with a 4.94 ERA in six appearances, five of which were starts. Geoff Jenkins is 4-12 with three homers and four RBI against Reyes in his career.

Sunday - 1:15 PM CDT:

RHP Yovani Gallardo (3-1, 2.18) vs. RHP Kip Wells (4-13, 5.57)

Gallardo has given up just one run since replacing Sheets in the rotation when Sheets left his start against the Rockies July 14th early with an injured right middle finger. In his last start, Gallardo pitched six and two thirds innings and gave up one run against the Reds to pick up his third win of the year. Lefties are hitting just .167 against Gallardo in the bigs this year. This will be Gallado's first career start against the Cardinals.

Wells is coming off a solid start against the Cubs in which he threw six and two thirds innings and gave up two earned runs. He did pick up the loss in game though. In the month of July, Wells is 1-2 with a ERA of 2.79 in five appearances, three of which were starts. Wells has faced the Brewers twice this season and is 0-2 with a 6.92 ERA in those two starts. In his career against the Brewers, Wells is 6-8 with a 4.30 ERA in 19 stats. Wells has pitched more innings against the Brewers than any other opponent he has faced. Johnny Estrada is 5-12 with three doubles and two RBI against Wells in his career.

Brewers (55-43) @ Reds (41-58) - Series Preview

2007-07-22T22:02:00.000-05:00

The Brewers hit the road for the first time after the All-Star Game break. The Crew begin the eight-game trip with a four-game series against the Reds. The Brewers finished 6-4 on their ten-game homestand against the Rockies, Diamondbacks and Giants.

Ned Yost put Rickie Weeks back at the top of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Giants. Weeks reached base three times in the game with two hits and a walk. Also, it looks like Manny Parra will be starting for the Brewers in one of the games of a doubleheader on Saturday against the Cardinals.

Pitching match ups:

Monday - 6:10 PM CDT:

LHP Chris Capuano (5-6, 4.96) vs. RHP Aaron Harang (10-2, 3.63)

Capuano pitched very well in his last start which was against the Diamondbacks. The southpaw gave up two earned runs and five hits in seven innings of work. It was Capuano's first quality start since June 2nd against the Marlins. However, even with Capuano's solid outing, the Brewers lost the game and have lost the last ten games that Capuano has started. Capuano beat the Reds earlier this year which was also at Great American Ball Park. He pitched five and two thirds innings, gave up four hits and three runs, none of which were earned. In his career against the Reds, Capuano is 2-3 with a 5.30 ERA in six starts. Ryan Freel is 5-13 with a double, a homer and two RBI in his career against Capuano.

Harang been solid all year long for the Reds. He is one of the only bright spots on one of the worst pitching staffs in the bigs. In his last start, Harang picked up a no-decision after throwing seven and two thirds innings and giving up two earned runs against the Braves. Harang's ERA in both June and July is under three. In his career against the Crew, Harang is 4-3 with a 4.98 ERA in 11 starts. Some good news for Harang is that Bill Hall will not activated from the DL until Wednesday so he will not face the Brewers center fielder in this start. Hall is 14-33 with four doubles, two homers and seven RBI against Harang in his career. Kevin Mench is 5-7 against Harang with a double and a homer.

Tuesday - 6:10 PM CDT:

RHP Yovani Gallardo (2-1, 2.34) vs. RHP Matt Belisle (5-6, 5.13)

Gallardo has filled in nicely for the injured Ben Sheets so far. He has pitched ten and two thirds scoreless innings since replacing Sheets in the game that Sheets left early due to a sprained middle finger on his right hand. In his last start, Gallardo threw six scoreless innings and gave up just three hits while striking out four and walking two. Gallardo will be facing the Reds for the first time in his career. In his first seven big league appearances, one stat that stands out for Gallardo is his batting average against which is just .198.

Belisle is looking for his first win since May 29th against the Astros. In his last start, Belisle gave up five runs, four earned in four and two thirds innings of work. The Reds had lost seven straight starts by Belisle until getting a win in his last start. Belisle faced the Brewers earlier this year and gave up five runs in five and one third innings of work. The Reds won the game and Belisle picked up a no-decision. Belisle is 1-2 with a 8.04 ERA in ten career apperances against the Brewers. All of the those appearances were in relief except the start against the Brewers from earlier this year. Johnny Estrada is 3-5 with two doubles and two RBI against Belisle in his career.

Wednesday - 6:10 PM CDT

RHP Jeff Suppan (8-8, 4.92) vs. RHP Kyle Lohse (5-12, 4.71)

Suppan battled through five innings in his last start. He gave up three runs and nine hits but kept the Brewers in the game against the Giants. The Brewers were unable to hold on to the lead in the game and lost to the Giants. Suppan has not pitched seven innings or more in any start since June 1st against the Marlins. Yost has stated that Damian Miller will be catching Suppan for the time being because Suppan seems to pitch better with Miller behind the plate. Suppan is 2-0 with a 6.37 ERA in seven career starts against the Reds. Ken Griffey Jr. is 11-19 with five homers and 11 RBI against Suppan in his career.

Lohse is coming off a tough start against the Marlins. He gave up eight hits, seven runs, four of which were earned in a loss. Lohse is 2-2 with 2.67 ERA at home this season. However, Lohse is 3-10 with a 5.28 ERA in night games in 2007. In his career against the Brewers, Lohse is 2-3 with a 6.31 ERA in seven apperances, six of which were starts. Mench is 6-14 with three doubles in his career against Lohse. Tony Graffanino is 9-21 against Lohse with a double and two RBI. Most of those at-bats against Lohse for those two hitters came when Lohse was a member of the Twins between 2001-2006.

Thursday - 11:35 AM CDT

RHP Dave Bush (8-8, 4.83) vs. LHP Bobby Livingston (2-1, 3.52)

Bush was out pitched in his last start by the Giants' Tim Lincecum who shut down the Brewers for eight innings. The Brewers were unable to give Bush any run support during the entire game. Bush gave up three runs in six innings while striking out seven. Earlier this year against the Reds, Bush gave up four runs in five innings and picked up a no-decision. Bush is 1-1 with a 6.67 ERA in five career starts against the Reds. Scott Hatteberg is 7-17 with two doubles, a homer and three RBI against Bush in his career.

Livingston was charged with the loss in his last start even though he gave up just three runs in six innings of work against the Marlins. The Reds ended up losing the game 11-1. Even though Livingston's ERA is very solid in his four starts this year, his batting average against is .340. Livingston made his big league debut last year with the Mariners. This will be Livingston's first time facing the Brewers in his career.

Giants (39-54) @ Brewers (54-31) - Series Preview

2007-07-20T03:20:00.000-05:00

The circus returns to town as the Brewers take on Barry Bonds and the Giants in a three-game set. Bonds is two homers short of tying Hank Aaron for the all-time home run career record. He hit two homers against the Cubs Thursday in his only start in that series against Chicago.

The Brewers are 5-2 so far on this current ten-game homestand. The Crew swept the Giants at Miller Park last month in a three-game series. The Brewers face the same three pitchers that they opposed in that series in June.

Friday - 7:05 PM CDT:

LHP Noah Lowry (9-7, 3.50) vs. RHP Jeff Suppan (8-8, 4.90)

In his last start, Lowry gave up ten hits, five runs, four of which were earned in five and two thirds innings against the Dodgers. Lowry was charged with the loss in that start. In his previous three starts, Lowry gave up one run in each of those starts. He faced the Brewers earlier this year and gave up five runs in five and two third innings of work in a loss. In his career against the Brewers, Lowry is 0-2 with a 7.88 ERA in three starts. Both Prince Fielder and Corey Hart homered off Lowry earlier this year at Miller Park. Look for a righty stacked lineup with Fielder as the only left-handed batter. Lefties are hitting just .216 against Lowry this year.

Suppan picked up a quality start in his last outing which was against the Rockies. He gave up five hits and two runs in six innings of work. Lefties are hitting .341 against Suppan this year. In his career against the Giants, Suppan is 3-4 with a 4.95 ERA in seven starts. Dave Roberts is 7-11 with a homer against Suppan in his career. Bonds has one career homer against Suppan in 12 at-bats.

Saturday - 2:55 PM CDT:

RHP Tim Lincecum (4-2, 4.37) vs. RHP Dave Bush (8-7, 4.84)

Lincecum faced the Cubs in his last start and ended up with a no-decision after giving up one run in six and a third innings. The Giants ended up losing the game 3-2. Since Lincecum faced the Brewers June 19th at Miller Park, he has recorded four straight quality starts. When Lincecum pitched against the Brewers, he gave up six runs in four innings of work and was charged with the loss. Prince Fielder had three RBI in that game against Lincecum. Corey Hart was 2-3 against the righty last month.

Bush pitched another solid game for the Brewers in his last start which was against the Diamondbacks. He gave up five hits and three runs (all on solo home runs) in six innings of work. Bush picked up his fifth win in his last six appearances. In his career against the Giants, Bush is 1-1 with a 3.71 ERA in three appearances, two of which were starts. Bonds has no home runs in six career at-bats against Bush. The Brewers' righty has kept most of the Giants' hitters in check. Pedro Feliz is the only current Giant to have homered off Bush.

Sunday - 1:05 PM CDT:

LHP Barry Zito (7-9, 4.67) vs. RHP Claudio Vargas (7-2, 4.47)

Zito is coming off a very nice start against the Cubs. He gave up five hits and two runs, one of which was earned in seven innings of work. Before that win against the Cubs, Zito had a four-game losing streak dating back to early June. Against the Brewers last month, Zito gave up six runs in four innings in a loss. In two career starts against the Brewers, Zito is 1-1 with a 5.25 ERA. Bill Hall hit a grand slam against Zito last month. Hall will most likely not be activated from the DL in time to face Zito.

It was another regular Vargas start last time out for the righty. No more than six innings and kept the Brewers in the game. Vargas pitched five innings and gave up two runs to pick up his seventh win of the season. There was a runner on second base in each of Vargas' five innings. The Brewers are 13-3 in games that Vargas starts. Vargas beat the Giants June 20th at Miller Park after pitching five innings while giving up four runs. In his career against the Giants, Vargas is 4-2 with a 5.67 in 12 appearances, nine of which were starts. Bonds is 3-7 with no home runs against Vargas in his career. Randy Winn is 7-16 with three career homers against Vargas.

Diamondbacks (49-44) @ Brewers (51-40) - Series Preview

2007-07-16T01:37:00.000-05:00

The Brewers continue their ten-game homestand with a four-game set against the Diamondbacks. This will be the first series with the D-Backs in 2007 for the Brewers. The Crew was able to squeak out a series win over the Rockies after losing the first game of the series. The Cubs continued to stay hot as they swept the Astros as Wrigley this past weekend.

Ben Sheets has been placed on the DL because of a sprained middle finger on his right hand. Also, Chris Spurling has been placed on the bereavement list due to a family emergency. To replace those two pitchers, the Brewers called up lefty Manny Parra and righty Grant Balfour from Triple A Nashville. Yovanni Gallardo will replace Sheets in the rotation for now.

Pitching match ups:

Monday - 7:05 PM CDT:

RHP Micah Owings (5-4, 4.84) vs. RHP Dave Bush (7-7, 4.86)

Owings is coming off back to back sub par starts. In his two starts in the month of July, Owings is 0-2 with a 13.50 ERA. Owings is in first year in the bigs after being drafted in the third round by the D-Backs two years ago out of Tulane. He has never faced the Brewers in his career. Lefties are hitting .306 against Owings with eight homers this season.

Last time out for Bush, he had a very nice start against the Nationals. Bush pitched seven innings and gave up just one run which was a homer to Ronnie Belliard. The righty has really turned his season around in the last month and a half or so. Bush's ERA has dropped from 6.13 to 4.86 since May 25th. In his career against the D-Backs, Bush is 2-0 with a 3.38 ERA in two starts. Chad Tracy is 2-7 with three RBI against Bush in his career.

Tuesday - 7:05 PM CDT:

RHP Yusmeiro Petit (1-1, 3.12) vs. RHP Claudio Vargas (6-2, 4.52)

Petit is filling for the injured Randy Johnson. He will making his fourth start of the season for the D-Backs. In his last two starts, Petit is 1-0 with 3.48 ERA. Last year, Petit made his big league debut with the Marlins and appeared in 19 games, mostly out of the pen. Petit pitched one scoreless inning in relief against the Brewers during last season. Geoff Jenkins is only current Brewer to have faced Petit in his career and is 0-1 with a strikeout.

Vargas will be facing his former team for the first time this season. In his last start, Vargas lost for the first time since May 26th. Vargas gave up five runs in six innings of work against the Pirates on the fourth of July. So, Vargas will be pitching on almost two weeks rest when he takes the mound Tuesday. The Brewers are 12-3 in games that Vargas starts. Even though his ERA is higher at home, Vargas has yet to lose at Miller Park as he is 4-0 at home. In his career against the D-Backs, Vargas is 1-1 with a 2.70 ERA in four appearances, three of which were starts. Tracy is 4-8 against Vargas in his career.

Wednesday - 7:05 PM CDT:

LHP Doug Davis (6-10, 4.19) vs. LHP Chris Capuano (5-6, 5.16)

Davis will be facing the Brewers for the first time since being traded from the Crew in the off season. The southpaw logged 37 wins for the Brewers in just over three years. He was durable for the Brewers pitching over 200 innings in three straight seasons from 2004-06. In his last start this season, Davis beat the Padres by throwing six innings and giving up two runs. Walks have continued to plague Davis this year. Davis walked 102 batters last year with the Brewers. This year, Davis has 62 walks in 111 2/3 innings of work. The Brewers will have to be patient in their approach against Davis. Tony Graffanino is 8-14 with four doubles, two homers and five RBI against Davis in his career.

Capuano's struggles continued in his last start which was against the Rockies Friday. He started strong with two scoreless innings. Capuano ran into trouble in the 3rd inning and could not make it out of the fourth. His line ended up as follows: three innings, five runs, six hits, three walks, and three strikeouts. Capuano has not been very sharp since returning from a groin injury. He is 0-1 with a 10.03 ERA in three starts since coming off the DL. Capuano's walk rate is a concern due to the fact he has almost walked as many batters as he did all of last year. In his career against the D-Backs, Capuano is 1-2 with 4.09 ERA in four starts. Capuano was drafted by the Diamondbacks and spent his rookie season with Arizona. Conor Jackson is 2-9 against Capuano in his career but both hits were homers.

Thursday - 1:05 PM CDT:

RHP Livan Hernandez (5-5, 4.61) vs. RHP Yovani Gallardo (1-1, 2.83)

Hernandez won his last start which was against the Padres. The righty threw six innings and gave up four runs to pick up his fifth win of the season. Hernandez's opponent batting average in 2007 is .297 compared to .277 for his career. In his career against the Brewers, Hernandez is 7-3 with a 3.29 ERA in 16 starts. Johnny Estrada is 9-22 with three doubles and four RBI against Hernandez in his career.

Gallardo fills in for the injured Sheets who left his last start after three and a third innings with a sprained middle finger on his right hand. This will be Gallardo's fourth start in the bigs. He had been pitching out of the bullpen since Capuano came off the DL. Gallardo will be facing the D-Backs for the first time in his career.

Rockies (44-44) @ Brewers (49-39) - Series Preview

2007-07-12T02:41:00.000-05:00

The Brewers return from the All-Star Break to take on the Rockies in a three-game set at Miller Park. This series also begins a ten-game homestand for the Crew. The Brewers are 30-13 so far this year at home.

Bill Hall is hoping to be back sooner rather than later.

Pitching match ups:

Friday - 7:05 PM CDT:

LHP Jeff Francis (8-5, 3.87) vs. LHP Chris Capuano (5-6, 4.78)

Francis gave up 12 hits and six runs in his last start against the Phillies. That tough start came after Francis finished up another very good month in June. He was 4-1 with a 2.84 ERA in six June starts. Francis had a 2.23 ERA in the month of May. Francis is 0-2 with a 9.28 ERA in two career starts against the Brewers. J.J. Hardy is 2-2 with two doubles and two RBI in his career against Francis.

The Brewers have lost the eight games that Capuano has started. Capuano also has a personal six game losing streak. He started the year with a five game winning streak and the Brewers won the first seven games Capuano started. In his last start, Capuano lost to the Nationals by giving up seven runs in five and a third innings. Capuano has been successful in the past against the Rockies. He is 4-2 with a 1.70 ERA in six career starts against Colorado. Holliday is 7-15 with a double and homer against Capuano in his career.

Saturday - 6:05 PM CDT:

RHP Rodrigo Lopez (5-2, 4.83) vs. RHP Ben Sheets (10-4, 3.41)

Lopez won his last start against the Phillies. He gave up three runs, five hits and home runs in that start. Lopez is 1-1 with a 9.00 ERA in two starts in the month of July. Opponents are hitting .304 this year against Lopez. In his career against the Brewers, Lopez is 1-0 with a 3.75 ERA in two starts. Geoff Jenkins is 4-6 with three RBI in his career against Lopez.

Sheets had his six-game winning streak snapped in his last start against the Pirates. He gave up five runs in six innings of work. Sheets struck out six, walked one and gave up two home runs. He pitched one scoreless inning in Tuesday's All-Star Game and Ned Yost decided to push Sheets back one day. In his career against the Rockies, Sheets is 4-3 with a 4.73 ERA in seven starts. Willy Taveras is 7-14 with two RBI against Sheets in his career.

Sunday - 1:05 PM CDT:

RHP Aaron Cook (5-6, 4.68) vs. RHP Jeff Suppan (8-8, 5.00)

Cook lost his last start which was against the Phillies at Coors Field. He gave up five runs and 12 hits in six innings of work. It's been a bit of an up and down year for Cook who will be making his seventh career start against the Brewers. Cook is 4-2 with a 3.63 ERA in seven career appearances against the Brewers. Bill Hall is 5-9 against Cook in his career.

Suppan has continued to struggle as of late. He has not pitched more than six innings in any start since June 12th. In his last start, Suppan threw five innings and gave up four runs to the Nationals in a loss. Suppan walked five and struck out three in that start. In his career against the Rockies, Suppan is 5-1 with a 3.65 ERA in seven starts. Matt Holliday is 6-9 with three homers and four RBI against Suppan in his career.

All-Star Game Preview

2007-07-09T20:00:00.000-05:00

The Brewers will be represented by four players in the All-Star Game for the first time since 1983 when Ted Simmons, Robin Yount, Cecil Cooper and Ben Oglivie were All-Stars for the Crew. This year it's Ben Sheets, Francisco Cordero, Prince Fielder and J.J. Hardy representing the Brewers in San Francisco. Fielder will be starting at first base for the NL.

A's pitcher Dan Haren and Padres pitcher Jake Peavy will start for the American League and National League, respectively.

Home-field advantage in the World Series is on the line once again in the All-Star Game. The American League's unbeaten streak in the All-Star Game stands at ten after their win last year in Pittsburgh. The National League last won an All-Star Game in 1996 at Veterans Stadium in Philadelphia.

MLB also will begin its post season ad campaign during the All-Star Game with an interesting choice of comedian Dane Cook as the star of the commercials.

Here are the lineups for Tuesday's All-Star Game at AT&T Park:

National League:

SS Jose Reyes, Mets
LF Barry Bonds, Giants
CF Carlos Beltran, Mets
RF Ken Griffey Jr., Reds
3B David Wright, Mets
1B Prince Fielder, Brewers
C Russell Martin, Dodgers
2B Chase Utley, Phillies
P Jake Peavy, Padres

American League:

CF Ichiro Suzuki, Mariners
SS Derek Jeter, Yankees
1B David Ortiz, Red Sox
3B Alex Rodriguez, Yankees
RF Vladimir Guerrero, Angels
LF Magglio Ordonez, Tigers
C Ivan Rodriguez, Tigers
2B Placido Polanco, Tigers
P Dan Haren, Athletics

Home Run Derby Preview

2007-07-08T17:39:00.000-05:00

Prince Fielder will be competing in his first Home Run Derby of his career. He will be the fifth Brewer to compete in the derby. Greg Vaughn, Jeromy Burnitz, Richie Sexson and Carlos Lee were the other Brewers to participate in the derby. This year's All-Star Game is in San Francisco at AT&T Park which means most of the discussion during the derby will center on McCovey Cove. That is where Fielder will be looking to put a few balls into the water past the right field stands.

National League Participants:

Prince Fielder, Milwaukee Brewers - 29 HR's (2007), 59 HR's (Career)

The manager of the the West Virginia Power, the Brewers low A affiliate, Mike Guerrero will be throwing to Fielder in the derby. Guerrero was the hitting coach for the Beloit Snappers when Fielder played for that team. Fielder will be the starting first baseman for the NL in Tuesday's All-Star Game.

Ryan Howard, Philadelphia Phillies - 21 HR's (2007), 103 HR's (Career)

Howard will be looking to defend his title after winning the 2006 Home Run Derby in Pittsburgh at PNC Park. Pitching to Howard will be Phillies bullpen coach Ramon Hernandez who threw to Howard last year and Bobby Abreu when he won the competition in 2005. Howard is competing in the derby even though he is not an All-Star this year.

Albert Pujols, St. Louis Cardinals - 16 HR's (2007), 266 HR's (Career)

Pujols was picked to participate in the derby on Sunday in the midst of the longest homer-less streak of his career. He has not hit a home run in his last 22 games. So, this derby might possibly do the opposite for Pujols what it did for Abreu in 2005. Abreu hit just six homers after the All-Star break after hitting 18 in the first half. Pujols also competed in the 2003 derby in Chicago at US Cellular Field and finished second behind Garret Anderson.

Matt Holliday, Colorado Rockies - 15 HR's (2007), 82 HR's (Career)

Holliday was selected to replace the injured Miguel Cabrera on Monday for the final spot in the derby. He is currently second in the NL in batting average (.341) behind Astros rookie phenom Hunter Pence. It will be the first derby for Holliday who is making his second All-Star appearance.

American League Participants:

Justin Morneau, Minnesota Twins - 24 HR's (2007), 102 HR's (Career)

The reigning AL MVP is making another run at that award this season. Morneau is in the top five in the majors for both home runs and RBIs. This is Morneau's first All-Star Game appearance and first Home Run Derby. Twins manager Ron Gardenhire will pitch to Morneau in the derby.

Magglio Ordonez, Detroit Tigers - 13 HR's (2007), 232 HR's (Career)

Ordonez is now a six-time All-Star and will be competing in his first derby. He currently leads the majors with a .367 batting average and will be starting in the outfield for the American League in Tuesday's All-Star Game.

Vladimir Guerrero, Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim - 14 HR (2007), 352 HR's (Career)

Guerrero will be participating in his second Home Run Derby of his career. He finished tied for fifth in the 2000 derby at Turner Field in Atlanta. Angels third base coach Dino Ebel will be pitching to Guerrero in the competition.

Alex Rios, Toronto Blue Jays - 17 HR's (2007), 45 HR's (Career)

This is Rios' second All-Star Game selection and first Home Run Derby. Last year when he was selected to the All-Star Game, he did not play because of a staph infection. Rios talked to ESPN's Baseball Tonight Sunday evening about the Home Run Derby and said he doesn't have a game plan and will "just gonna go with the flow."

Brewers (48-37) @ Nationals (34-51) - Series Preview

2007-07-06T04:12:00.000-05:00

The Brewers finish up the their ten-game road trip with a three-game set against the Nationals at RFK Stadium. This is also the Brewers' last series before the All-Star break. It was another tough series for the Brewers in Pittsburgh. PNC Park has been a house of horrors for the Brewers in recent years and this week proved no different as the Crew dropped three of four to the Pirates.

The Brewers also lost Bill Hall in Thursday's game against the Pirates. Hall sprained his ankle after leaping to try to rob a home run. He left the game and has been placed on the DL and replaced by Tony Gwynn on the roster who was called up from Triple A Nashville.

Pitching match ups:

Friday - 6:05 PM CDT:

RHP Dave Bush (6-7, 5.11) vs. LHP Mike Bacsik (2-5, 4.65)

Bush is coming off a loss to the Cubs in his last start. He pitched six innings and gave up four runs last Sunday at Wrigley Field. It was Bush's first loss since June 4th which was also against the Cubs. Back in May at Miller Park, Bush beat the Nationals by going six and two thirds innings while giving up three runs. In his career against the Nationals, Bush is 1-2 with a 4.41 ERA in three starts. Austin Kearns is 5-13 with two doubles, two homers and five RBI against Bush in his career.

Last time out for Bacsik was best start of the year since his first start. Bacsik threw six innings and gave up just one earned run to pick up his second win of the win. Before that start, Bacsik was 0-4 with a 7.30 ERA in his previous five starts. Bacsik has spent parts of five seasons in the big leagues but has never faced the Brewers in his career. Damian Miller is the only Brewer to have faced Bacsik in his career and he is 0-2 against the southpaw.

Saturday - 6:05 PM CDT:

RHP Jeff Suppan (8-7, 4.90) vs. RHP Jason Simontacchi (5-6, 6.27)

Suppan left his last start against the Pirates after five innings with the score tied at three. The Brewers busted out with seven runs in the seventh to pick up the win but Suppan was charged with a no-decision. Suppan threw 106 pitches, walked two and struck out three against the Pirates. In his career against the Nationals/Expos, Suppan is 3-2 with a 3.14 ERA in eight starts. Brian Schneider is 7-16 with two doubles and four RBI against Suppan in his career.

Simontacchi made return to the big leagues earlier this year against the Brewers. He missed the previous two seasons with arm problems. In that start against the Brewers in May, Simontacchi pitched six innings and gave up four runs in a loss. Simontacchi lost his last start against the Cubs when he gave up five runs in just three innings of work. In his career against the Brewers, Simontacchi is 1-1 with a 4.15 ERA in nine appearances, three of which were starts. Johnny Estrada is 2-3 with a double in his career against Simontacchi.

Sunday - 12:35 PM CDT:

LHP Chris Capuano (5-5, 4.28) vs. RHP Tim Redding (0-1, 5.40)

Capuano got his pitch count up pretty fast in his last start. That allowed Capuano to only pitch three and a third innings against the Pirates. It was Capuano's first start since coming off the DL. Capuano threw 84 pitches, struck out three, walked two but gave up just two runs, one earned. The team started out 7-0 in games started by Capuano but now is 7-7 and Capuano has a personal five-game losing going right now. Earlier this year in May, Capuano threw eight scoreless innings against the Nationals to pick up a win at Miller Park. In his career against the Nationals, Capuano is 1-1 with a 1.61 ERA in three starts. Kearns is 7-11 with a homer and three RBI against Capuano in his career.

Redding pitched all of 2006 in the minor leagues after spending five years in the bigs with the Astros, Yankees and Padres. In his first game back in the bigs which is his only start this year with the Nationals, Redding threw five innings and gave up three runs the Cubs. He picked up the loss in the game. Redding is 4-5 with a 4.72 ERA in 14 career appearances against the Brewers, ten of which were starts. Geoff Jenkins is 9-15 with three doubles, one homer and two RBI against Redding in his career.

Brewers (47-34) @ Pirates (35-46) - Series Preview

2007-07-01T02:24:00.000-05:00

The Brewers continue their ten-game road trip with their first visit to PNC Park this season. So far this season, the Brewers are 5-1 against the Pirates. The Cubs took two of three from the Brewers this weekend.

Prince Fielder was voted as the NL starting first baseman in this year's All Star Game. J.J. Hardy, Francisco Cordero and Ben Sheets were also selected to next week's game.

Monday - 6:05 PM CDT:

RHP Jeff Suppan (8-7, 4.88) vs. RHP John Van Benschoten (0-2, 4.30)

In his last start, Suppan picked up his first quality start since May 27th against the Padres. Suppan threw six innings and gave up three runs against the Astros last Wednesday. Lefties are hitting .343 this year against Suppan. He was 2-2 with a 7.68 in six starts in the month of June. In his career against the Pirates, Suppan is 9-3 with a 3.90 ERA in 16 starts. This season, Suppan is 2-0 with a 3.86 ERA against the Pirates in two starts. Ronny Paulino is 4-8 with a double in his career against Suppan.

Van Benschoten will be making his fourth start of the season. In his last start, Van Benschoten gave up just two runs against the Marlins but only pitched four innings. He did walk five batters in the game and threw just 39 strikes out of 81 pitches. So far in three starts this year, Van Benschoten has walked ten batters and struck out nine. Van Benschoten faced the Brewers in his first stint in the big leagues in 2004. He missed all of 2005 and much of 2006 after surgery on both of his shoulders. Van Benschoten pitched five innings, gave up four runs, walked five and picked up the loss in that start against the Brewers. Geoff Jenkins was 2-3 with an double RBI against Van Benschoten in that game.

Tuesday - 3:05 PM CDT:

LHP Chris Capuano (5-5, 4.35) vs. LHP Shane Youman (0-0, 0.00)

Capuano is set to return to the Brewers' rotation after being on the DL because of strained groin. He was scratched from his start against the Tigers on June 13th. Capuano last pitched against Texas on June 8th when gave up six runs in four innings of work. The six runs Capuano gave up in that start tied for the most he has given up this year in any one start. In his career against the Pirates, Capuano is 2-6 with a 6.63 ERA in ten starts. Jason Bay is 8-19 with three homers and five RBI against Capuano in his career.

Youman will be called up from Triple A Indianapolis to fill in for the injured Zach Duke. This will be Youman's first appearance in the big leagues this season. Youman is 4-6 with a 4.70 ERA with Indianapolis this season. Last year, he was 0-2 with a 2.91 ERA in five appearances with the Pirates. Duke was scratched from this start due to tendinitis in his left elbow.

Wednesday - 3:05 PM CDT:

RHP Claudio Vargas (6-1, 4.29) vs. RHP Ian Snell (6-5, 2.90)

Once again, Vargas was unable to pitch more than six innings in his last start and again the Brewers won the game. Vargas pitched five innings, gave up four runs and picked up a no-decision against the Astros. The Crew is now 12-2 in games that Vargas starts. One of the possible reasons Ned Yost decided to use Vargas on Tuesday instead of Sunday is of Vargas' success against the Pirates. Vargas is 4-0 with a 1.54 ERA in seven career appearances, six of which were starts against the Pirates. Bay is 6-11 with two homers against Vargas in his career.

Snell had a nice outing last time out against the Nationals. He pitched seven innings and gave up two runs in a no-decision. Snell had a very solid month of June. He was 2-1 with a 2.43 ERA in five starts in the month of June. His WHIP of 1.17 in 2007 is much lower than his career number for that stat. Snell is 3-0 with a 3.86 ERA in four career apperances against the Brewers. Prince Fielder is 4-9 with a double, homer and two RBI against Snell in his career.

Thursday - 11:35 AM CDT:

RHP Ben Sheets (10-3, 3.19) vs. LHP Tom Gorzelanny (8-4, 3.05)

Sheets picked up another win in the month of June last time out against the Cubs. He finished the month with a record of 5-0 in six starts in the month of June and could have easily been 6-0. Sheets currently has a six game winning streak dating back to late May. In his last start against the Cubs, Sheets threw eight innings, gave up four runs and struck out a season high 11 batters. Earlier this season, Sheets faced the Pirates at Miller Park. He gave up two runs in six and a third innings pitched in a no-decision. In his career against the Pirates, Sheets is 6-7 with a 2.90 ERA in 19 starts. Sheets has a career ERA of 2.65 at PNC Park.

Gorzelanny is coming a quality start against the Angels in which he gave up three runs in six innings of work. The month of June was the worst yet for Gorzelanny but his ERA is still right around 3. Gorzelanny faced the Brewers earlier this year at Miller Park. He beat the Brewers by throwing seven innings while allowing two runs. In his career against the Brewers, he is 1-0 with a 1.84 ERA in three apperances, two of which were starts. Fielder and Kevin Mench are both 2-6 against Gorzelanny in their careers.

Brewers (46-32) @ Cubs (38-39) - Series Preview

2007-06-28T00:45:00.000-05:00

The Brewers start a ten-game road trip Friday at Wrigley Field that leads the team into the All-Star break. The Crew finished up a 8-1 home stand with a sweep of the Astros. So far this year, the Brewers are 4-5 against the Cubs. The only series the Brewers won this year against the Cubs was at Wrigley in April. The last two series with the Cubs this year are at Wrigley Field.

Prince Fielder loves hitting at Wrigley Field. Fielder has seven homers and ten RBI in 13 career games against the Cubs at Wrigley Field.

Pitching match ups:

Friday - 1:20 PM CDT:

RHP Yovani Gallardo (1-0, 2.70) vs. LHP Rich Hill (5-5, 3.13)

This start appears to be Gallardo's last start for the near future. Chris Capuano will be returning to the rotation on Tuesday and Gallardo will go to the bullpen according to what Ned Yost is saying right now. In his last start, Gallardo threw very well against the Royals. Gallardo pitched seven innings, gave up one run and struck out eight in a no-decision. He will be making his first career start against the Cubs.

Hill is off coming a very nice start against the White Sox. He threw five and two thirds innings and gave up one run while striking out six in a no-decision. The Cubs took the lead later in the game and ended up beating the White Sox. Hill is 1-1 with a 3.26 ERA in five June starts. He faced the Brewers twice earlier in the season, winning the first start and losing the second. Hill is 1-1 with a 2.52 ERA in four career appearances against the Brewers, three of which were starts. Prince Fielder, Kevin Mench, and Corey Hart all homered off Hill earlier this year.

Saturday - 2:55 PM CDT:

RHP Ben Sheets (9-3, 3.09) vs. LHP Sean Marshall (4-2, 2.44)

Sheets continued his roll last time out with a nice start against the Astros. He threw six innings and gave up one run to pick up his ninth win of the year. Sheets is now 4-0 with a 1.60 ERA in five June starts. He faced the Cubs twice this season and is 0-1 in those two starts. In his last start against the Cubs, Sheets left after three scoreless innings due to a groin injury. Sheets is 7-7 with a 3.94 ERA in 20 career starts against the Cubs. Derrek Lee is 14-39 with five homers and 11 RBI against Sheets in his career.

Marshall threw six and a third scoreless innings and gave up five hits against the White Sox in his last start. He picked his fourth win of the season in that start. Marshall is 4-0 with a 2.32 ERA in five starts in the month of June. He faced the Brewers last year on September 26th. Marshall picked up the win after pitching six innings and giving up three runs. Bill Hall was 2-2 with a homer against Marshall in that game.

Sunday - 1:20 PM CDT:

RHP Dave Bush (6-6, 5.06) vs. RHP Jason Marquis (5-4, 3.46)

Bush now has a three-game winning streak after picking up a win in relief Wednesday against the Astros. He pitched two innings in the the Brewers' 11-inning win over Houston. Bush is 3-1 with a 3.51 ERA in five appearances, four of which were starts in the month of June. Since the end of May, Bush has shaved more than run off his ERA. He faced the Cubs twice this year and lost both starts. Bush is 0-2 with a 7.50 ERA in those two starts. In his career against the Cubs, Bush is 1-4 with a 4.15 ERA in seven starts. Alfonso Soriano is 6-14 with two doubles in his career against Bush.

Marquis gave up three runs in five and two thirds innings of work in his last start against the Rockies. The Cubs won the game but Marquis did not pick up the victory and has not won since May 9th. In his only start against the Brewers this year, Marquis threw five and a third innings and gave up one earned run. Marquis picked up a no-decision and the Cubs won the game. After strong two months in April and May, Marquis is 0-2 with a 5.09 ERA in five June starts. Marquis is 2-4 with a 4.23 ERA in 14 career appearances against the Brewers, 12 of which were starts. Bill Hall is 5-11 with a double, a homer and two RBI against Marquis in his career.

Astros (32-43) @ Brewers (43-32) - Series Preview

2007-06-24T20:28:00.000-05:00

The Brewers finish up their ten-game homestand with a three-game set against the Astros starting Monday. So far on the homestand, the Brewers are 5-1. The Brewers get back into NL Central play with the series against the Astros. The Crew's record against their own division this year is 18-10.

Brewers fans could see some history at Miller Park during the series. With three hits Sunday night against the Rangers, Craig Biggio is just four hits short of 3,000. Robin Yount had his 3,000th hit in Milwaukee at County Stadium off Jose Mesa on September 9th, 1992.

Chris Capuano is getting closer to returning the Brewers' rotation but Ned Yost does not plan to rush Capuano back. Looks like the earliest Capuano would be back pitching for the Brewers is July 3rd. That means Yovani Gallardo will be starting against the Cubs at Wrigley Field Saturday. Gallardo pitched very well Sunday in a no-decision against the Royals. There is no reason to rush Capauno back at this point because of the Brewers' starting pitching depth.

Also in the notes by Rick Braun of the Journal-Sentinel, it looks like Brewers' first round pick Matt LaPorta could be signing a contract in the next couple of days. Hopefully it happens before the Brewers leave town so LaPorta can take batting practice with the team and be introduced to the Miller Park crowd as that is a recent tradition with Brewers' first round picks.

Pitching match ups:

Monday - 7:05 PM CDT:

RHP Jason Jennings (1-1, 3.63) vs. RHP Ben Sheets (8-3, 3.19)

Jennings missed much of April and May after being out with an injury to his right elbow. Since returning from the DL, Jennings is 1-0 with an ERA of 3.90 in five starts. In his last start, Jennings gave up season highs in hits (11) and runs (5) against the Angels. However, Jennings was able to pick his first win of the season as the Astros backed him with some nice run support. In his career against the Brewers, Jennings is 2-0 with a 3.47 ERA in four starts. Craig Counsell is 11-28 with two doubles, two homers and three RBI in his career against Jennings. Those numbers might allow Yost to give J.J. Hardy one more day off to recover from a back injury.

Sheets kept things rolling last time out against the Giants. He threw a complete game and gave up two runs in his eighth win of the year. It was his second complete game of the season. Sheets is now 3-0 with a 1.63 ERA in four starts in the month of June. Back in April, Sheets threw seven innings and gave up two runs against the Astros in a no-decision. In his career against the Astros, Sheets is 9-8 with a 3.81 ERA in 21 starts. Lance Berkman is 17-51 with six doubles, four homers and 14 RBI against Sheets in his career.

Tuesday - 7:05 PM CDT:

LHP Wandy Rodriguez (4-6, 4.20) vs. RHP Claudio Vargas (6-1, 4.09)

Rodriguez gave up four runs, three earned in his last start which was against the Angels. He pitched six and a third innings and picked up a no-decision. Rodriguez is 2-1 with a 3.38 ERA in four June starts. He faced the Brewers April 21st and gave up six runs in six innings in a loss at Miller Park. Rodriguez is 2-3 with a 4.95 ERA in eight career appearances against the Brewers. Corey Hart is 7-12 with a double and three RBI in his career against Rodriguez.

In Vargas' last start, things were going great in the first five innings against the Giants. Vargas had pitched five scoreless innings and given up only two hits. Then in the sixth inning, Vargas could not find the plate, loaded up the bases and gave up a grand slam to Bengie Molina. Vargas did not record an out in the sixth inning and was replaced by Brian Shouse. The Brewers had a one run lead when Vargas left the game and the Brewers added a couple runs later in the game to give Vargas his sixth win of the year. Vargas picked up a win at Minute Maid Field against the Astros April 29th. In that start, Vargas pitched five innings of scoreless baseball. Vargas is 3-2 with a 3.60 ERA in seven career appearances against the Astros. Adam Everett is 5-11 with three doubles, a homer and four RBI in his career against Vargas.

Wednesday - 1:05 PM CDT:

RHP Woody Williams (3-10, 5.75) vs. RHP Jeff Suppan (8-7, 4.90)

Williams struggled in his last start against the Rangers. He pitched four innings, gave up five runs and was charged with the loss. Williams is 1-3 with a 6.46 in four June starts. Righties are hitting .320 against Williams this year. Williams is 12-6 with a 3.05 ERA in 28 career appearances, 19 starts against the Brewers. Damian Miller is 11-25 with three doubles and two RBI against Williams in his career.

The struggles continued for Suppan in his last start. Suppan gave up five runs in five innings of work against the Royals but he did pick up his eighth win of the season. He is 2-2 with a 8.36 ERA in five June starts. In his career against the Astros, Suppan is 2-6 with a 4.72 ERA in 11 appearances, of which were 10 starts. Berkman is 10-24 with four doubles, two homers and ten RBI in his career against Suppan.

Royals (29-44) @ Brewers (41-31) - Series Preview

2007-06-22T01:27:00.000-05:00

The Brewers continue their nine-game homestand with their last interleague series of the year. The Royals visit Miller Park for the first time since 2001. Last year, the Royals took two of three from the Brewers in Kansas City. The Royals once again find themselves in last place in the AL Central. Journal Sentinel columnist Michael Hunt writes about how the Brewers have separated themselves this year from being a perennial loser like the Royals.

It's big weekend for promotions at Miller Park. Friday will be the continuing series of 1982 bobbleheads and this week the player is pitcher Mike Caldwell. Saturday is the second-annual Negro Leagues tribute game and the first 15,000 fans will get a Milwaukee Bears hat. During the game, the Brewers will wear Milwaukee Bears uniforms and the Royals will wear Kansas City Monarchs uniforms. In connection with the Negro Leagues tribute, the Negro League Baseball Museum's "Times of Greatness" Tour will be at Miller Park Friday and Saturday. The final game of the series on Sunday will feature another bobblehead which will be Bill Hall.

Also, this tidbit from the Brewers website, "Taking place throughout the weekend at Miller Park is the Northwestern Mutual Brewers Drive for Charity. Jeff Suppan and Northwestern Mutual invite fans to drop off any non-perishable food items at the ballpark from the time the gates open through the second inning. Each person to donate an item will receive a Jeff Suppan Collectors Brewers pin."

Pitching match ups:

Friday - 7:05 PM CDT:

LHP Jorge De La Rosa (4-8, 5.33) vs. RHP Jeff Suppan (7-7, 4.69)

De La Rosa is obviously someone that many Brewers' fans will remember from his time with the Crew. He was traded to the Royals last year for Tony Graffanino. De La Rosa spent time as a starter and reliever with the Brewers and struggled with his command. Since joining the Royals, De La Rosa has solely been a starter. After starting the season strong, De La Rosa has seen his ERA go up almost two runs since May 18th. Bob Dutton of the Kansas City Star writes that De La Rosa needs to calm down during his starts in order to get back on track. One positive about De La Rosa's season so far is his walk rate. This year, De La Rosa has 29 walks in 82 2/3 innings compared to last year when he has 54 walks in 79 innings pitched. De La Rosa's last outing was actually in relief as he gave up a walk-off home run in the 14th inning against the Cardinals Wednesday in St. Louis. He only threw five pitches in that outing. The only Brewer to face the southpaw in his career is Craig Counsell who is 0-1 against De La Rosa.

Suppan will be looking to get back on track Friday as he faces another one of his former teams. Last time out for Suppan, he was rocked by the Twins up at the Metrodome. Suppan was charged with nine runs and gave up ten hits in four and two thirds innings. He has not had a quality start since May 27th against the Padres. Suppan is 1-2 with a 8.22 ERA in four June starts. Lefties are hitting .331 against Suppan in 2007. Suppan is 1-3 with a 5.61 ERA against the Royals in six career appearances, five of which were starts. Emil Brown is 3-9 lifetime against Suppan.

Saturday - 6:05 PM CDT:

RHP Brian Bannister (4-3, 3.21) vs. RHP Dave Bush (4-6, 5.48)

Bannister was acquired via a trade with the Mets over this past offseason. Last season was Bannister first in the big leagues. He faced the Brewers once last year and beat them by throwing five innings and giving up one run. Geoff Jenkins was 2-3 against Bannister in that game and J.J. Hardy had a home run against the righty. Bannister started this season at Triple A Omaha and was brought up in late April. Since then, Bannister has been solid for the Royals. He has not given up more than four earned runs in any start this year in the bigs. Last time out for Bannister, he gave up runs in six innings against the Marlins and was able to pick up his fourth win of the season.

Bush finally back on the winning track in his last start against the Twins. He pitched six and a third innings and gave up two runs in his fourth win of the season, his first since May 8th. It was also Bush's first quality start since May 30th against the Braves. Bush's ERA for the month of June is the best of any month so far this year at 4.86. Righties are hitting Bush pretty well this year with a batting average of .326 while lefties are hitting just .243 against Bush. The righty from Wake Forest is 2-0 with a 4.70 ERA in four career starts against the Royals. John Buck is 5-8 with two RBI in his career against Bush.

Sunday - 1:05 PM CDT

LHP Odalis Perez (4-7, 6.06) vs. RHP Yovani Gallardo (1-0, 4.26)

Perez was solid in his last start against the Cardinals. He went six innings and gave up three runs in a win. In the start before that also against the Cardinals, Perez was rocked for seven runs, six earned in only three innings of work. The last two starts demonstrate that this has been an up and down season for Perez. In four starts in June, Perez is 2-2 with a 7.45 ERA. Righties are hitting .335 against Perez. However, Geoff Jenkins might get a start Sunday as he is 4-7 with a homer against Perez in his career. The southpaw is 3-0 with a 2.97 ERA in five career starts against the Brewers.

In his first major league start on Monday, Gallardo picked up a win over the Giants. Gallardo pitched six and a third innings and gave up three runs and four hits. He walked three and struck out four. Also, in his first career at-bat, he doubled home a run. It remains to be seen what happens to Gallardo when Chris Capuano comes from the DL. Capuano is getting closer to throwing off a mound but will not come off the DL Sunday which is the first day he is eligible to return.

Giants (30-38) @ Brewers (38-31) - Series Preview

2007-06-18T13:09:00.001-05:00

The Brewers return home for a nine-game homestand after a very interesting road trip but a successful one nonetheless. The Crew ended up 5-4 on the three-city interleague trip. Now, the circus comes to town as Barry Bonds and the Giants invade Brew City for the first of two series against the Brewers at Miller Park this year. The Giants also play in Milwaukee in late July.

Rickie Weeks will activated from the DL on Monday however, it appears that Corey Hart will stay in the lead off spo t for now.

Pitching match ups:

Monday - 7:05 CDT:

LHP Noah Lowry (6-5, 3.46) vs. RHP Yovani Gallardo (0-0, 0.00)

Last time out Lowry was solid for the Giants as he threw six innings and gave up just two runs against the Blue Jays. Giving up just four hits, Lowry picked up his sixth win of the season in that game. Lowry has not given more than four runs in any start this season. Prince Fielder will be the only lefty in the lineup against Lowry as left-handed batters are hitting just .182 against the southpaw. In two career starts against the Brewers, Lowry is 0-1 with a 7.84 ERA. Bill Hall is 3-6 with two RBI in his career against Lowry.

Gallardo will be making his major league debut Monday against the Giants. He is the Brewers' top pitching prospect and was leading all of the minor leagues in strikeouts before being called up to the bigs. Gallardo was picked by the Brewers out of high school in the second round of the 2004 first-year player draft. This year at triple A Nashville, Gallardo is 8-3 with a 2.90 ERA and 110 strikeouts in 77 2/3 innings. Opponents were hitting just .189 against him in the Pacific Coast League which is usually considered to be a hitter's league.

Tuesday - 7:05 CDT:

RHP Tim Lincecum (2-1, 5.25) vs. RHP Ben Sheets (7-3, 3.31)

Lincecum has his shortest outing of the season in his last start against the Blue Jays. He lasted only three and two thirds innings and gave up seven runs in his first career loss. June has been a tough month for the right hander as he is 0-1 with a 9.82 ERA in three starts. Lincecum made his major league debut May 6th against the Phillies. He will be making his first career start against the Brewers. Lincecum was drafted by the Giants in the first round (10th overall) in last year's draft.

Sheets did not pick up a quality start in his last outing but he did get his seventh win of the season. In that start against the Tigers, Sheets went five and two thirds innings and gave up three runs while striking out seven batters. Sheets also went over the 1000 strikeout mark in his career in his last start. Each month so far this year Sheets has gotten better and he is 2-0 with a 1.45 ERA in three June starts. In his career against the Giants, Sheets is 2-2 with a 2.84 ERA in five starts. Bonds is 3-6 with two doubles, one homer and four RBI in his career against Sheets.

Wednesday 1:05 CDT:

LHP Barry Zito (6-7, 4.41) vs. RHP Claudio Vargas (5-1, 3.86)

Zito will be making his second career start against the Brewers, the first since coming over to the Giants this past off season. His only start against the Brewers came in 2002 when beat the Crew by throwing eight inning while giving up just one run. Zito has struggled in his last two starts. He has given up nine runs in nine and a third innings combined in those two starts. However, Zito had only given up one total run in the three starts before his last two starts. Zito has always been tough on righties in his career and this year is no different as right-hander batters are hitting just .216 against the southpaw this year. However, for some reason left-handed batters are hitting Zito very well this year with a .337 batting average. Lefties have a .256 against in Zito over his entire career. Kevin Mench has only a .205 (8-39) career batting average against Zito but Mench has two doubles, two homers and five RBI against the lefty. Geoff Jenkins homered against Zito when the Brewers played the A's in 2002.

Vargas worked the magic again against the Twins on Friday as he picked up his fifth win of the season. He also logged a quality start after throwing six innings while giving up three runs, two of which were earned. Vargas will be looking to throw more than six innings this time out as he has yet to do that this season. In his career against the Giants, Vargas is 3-2 with a 5.51 ERA in 11 appearances, 8 of which were starts. Randy Winn is 6-14 with a double and three homers in his career against Vargas. Omar Vizquel has six hits in 12 career at-bats against the righty.

Cubs Brawling Again

2007-06-16T16:42:00.000-05:00

The Cubs were involved in another fight this afternoon at Wrigley Field. This time though the Cubs were fighting with the other team instead of themselves. A little back story before explaining what happened today. In Friday's game, Cubs leadoff man Alfonso Soriano hit a home run and watched it leave the ballpark from home plate. Soriano also held his bat down the baseline and flipped it as he walked towards first base. This did not sit well with many of the Padres including starters David Wells and Jake Peavy. Today in the fourth inning, Cubs first sacker Derrek Lee was hit in the head by a pitch thrown by Padres starter Chris Young. Lee started to walk to first base and was talking to Young when Lee threw a punch at the tall right handed pitcher and things blew up from there. Both benches cleared including the bullpens and Cubs manager Lou Piniella ended up on the ground for part of the brawl. This will help the Brewers as a suspension will be in the future for Lee.

The Cubs starter in the game Carlos Zambrano had a no-hitter in the eighth inning when it was broken up by a Marcus Giles infield single. Former Brewer slugger Russell Branyan homered of Zambrano in the top of the ninth inning to give the Padres the lead for good in the game.

As for the Brewers, they play game two of their series with the Twins tonight at the Metrodome. The lineup for the game is as follows:

Brewers
Corey Hart - RF
J.J. Hardy - SS
Ryan Braun - 3B
Prince Fielder - 1B
Bill Hall - CF
Johnny Estrada - DH
Geoff Jenkins - LF
Damian Miller - C
Craig Counsell - 2B

Dave Bush - RHP

Twins
Luis Castillo - 2B
Joe Mauer - C
Michael Cuddyer - RF
Justin Morneau - 1B
Torii Hunter - CF
Jason Kubel - DH
Lew Ford - LF
Nick Punto - 3B
Jason Bartlett - SS

Boof Bonser - RHP

Brewers (36-30) @ Twins (33-31) - Series Preview

2007-06-15T03:17:00.000-05:00

The Brewers head to the great white north to face the Twins in their last interleague road series of the year. The Brew Crew had one of their more impressive series of the year against the Tigers this week. After being no-hit on Tuesday by fireballer Justin Verlander, the Brewers came back and won the last two games of the series at Comerica Park by one run each.

Brewers top prospect Yovani Gallardo will be joining the team in Minnesota after being called up from Triple A Nashville. Chris Capuano has been sent to the DL due to strained groin. He missed his last on Wednesday and Carlos Villanueva filled in nicely on last minute notice. Gallardo is slated to start on Monday at home against the Giants if he is not needed to pitch in relief against the Twins over the weekend in the Twin Cities.

Pitching match ups:

Friday - 7:10 PM CDT:

RHP Claudio Vargas (4-1, 3.94) vs. RHP Scott Baker (1-1, 6.45)

Vargas will making since first start since June 5th which was a win over the Cubs. He pitched five and a third innings and gave up three runs against Chicago. Manager Ned Yost skipped Vargas because the Brewers had a couple of days off within a week. Vargas last pitched on Sunday against the Rangers when he picked up a save in the Brewers' 12-inning win. He faced the Twins earlier this season and picked up a no-decision after giving up five runs in four innings of work. In his career against the Twins, Vargas is 0-1 with a 7.82 ERA in three appearances, two of which were starts. Luis Castillo is 5-16 lifetime against Vargas.

Last time out, Baker threw five and two thirds innings and gave up five runs against the Angels in a loss. Baker beat the Brewers earlier this year at Miller Park. He pitched eight and a third innings against the Crew and gave up just two runs in the win. It was Baker's first start in the major leagues this year. Baker also faced the Brewers last year and picked up a victory in that game as well even his numbers were not as good as this year's start against the Crew. In that start, Baker gave up four runs in five innings of work. Bill Hall has two career homers against Baker in six at-bats. J.J. Hardy is 2-4 with a homer in his career against Baker.

Saturday- 6:10 PM CDT:

RHP Dave Bush (3-6, 5.70) vs. RHP Boof Bonser (5-2, 4.21)

Bush is looking to pick up his first win in more than a month. The Brewers did win the last time Bush pitched which was Sunday against the Rangers. Bush pitched four and a third innings and gave up four runs, three of which were earned. He faced the Twins earlier this year and a Torii Hunter grand slam ruined that start for Bush who gave up five runs in seven and a third innings of work. Bush is 0-3 with a 4.50 in three career starts against the Twins. Michael Cuddyer is 5-8 with a homer and two RBI against Bush in his career.

Bonser had the Brewers' number again when he faced Milwaukee earlier this year. He had a career high 11 strikeouts and gave up just one run in seven innings of work against the Brewers at Miller Park in May. In May of 2006, Bonser threw six innings against the Brewers and gave up just one run also at Miller Park. Last time out for Bonser, he picked up his fifth win of season after pitching five innings and giving up three runs against the Nationals. Prince Fielder is 2-6 against Bonser in those two starts.

Sunday- 1:10 PM CDT:

RHP Jeff Suppan (7-7, 4.04) vs. RHP Kevin Slowey (2-0, 3.71)

Suppan was on the wrong end of a no-hitter on Tuesday against the Tigers. He did not pitch too bad but Suppan had no room for error going against Verlander on his special night. Suppan ended up pitching six and a third innings while giving up four runs, all earned. Lefties have been hitting Suppan pretty well this year with a .325 batting average against the righty in 2007. In his career against the Twins, Suppan is 5-8 with a 4.61 ERA in 17 starts. Torii Hunter is 10-32 with two doubles, three homers, and eight RBI against Suppan in his career.

Slowey has pitched fairly well for the Twins in the first three starts of his major league career. In his last start, Slowey pitched seven innings and gave up two earned runs in a win against the Braves. Slowey will be facing the Brewers for the first time in his career. Slowey was drafted by the Twins in the second round of the 2005 draft, one round before Brewers pitching prospect Will Inman was chosen by the Brewers. Inman is currently pitching for the Brevard County Manatees and is 4-3 with a 1.72 ERA and 98 strikeouts in 78.2 innings pitched. He is just 20 years old.

Prince returns to Detroit

2007-06-12T00:45:00.000-05:00

I thought I would get a head start on the hype surrounding Prince Fielder's return to Detroit, where his estranged father hit 245 home runs during his career as a Tiger, and post some articles about his return

In the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel article Prince talks about his lost ties to the city

This web-exclusive column by Jerry Green for the Detroit News talks about Prince's days as a little leaguer.

There is another article on monroenews.com which compares Prince to his father as baseball players.

Did you know that Prince hit a home run during batting practice at Tiger Stadium when he was 12 years old? This is sure to be a reoccurring theme throughout this series.

Brewers (34-29) @ Tigers (36-26) - Series Preview

2007-06-11T15:23:00.000-05:00

The Brewers visit Detroit to continue their nine-game interleague road trip. It was almost a disastrous weekend in Texas for the Brewers. Francisco Cordero blew his first two saves of the year but the Brewers were able to pick him pick on Sunday and get a win in 12 innings. Last year at Miller Park, the 2006 AL Champion Tigers won two of three from the Brewers. The Brewers will not face any of three starters they faced last year in Milwaukee this time around at Comerica Park. This is the first time the Brewers play in Detroit since 2001. Prince Fielder will be returning to the city where he spent a lot of time when his father was a member of the Tigers. Fielder was hitting home runs into the upper deck of Tiger Stadium at the age of 12.

Pitching match ups:

Tuesday - 6:05 PM CDT:

RHP Jeff Suppan (7-6, 3.92) vs. RHP Justin Verlander (6-2, 3.12)

In his last six starts, Suppan has just one quality start which was on May 27th at San Diego. But in those six starts, Suppan has not given up more than four earned runs in any of those starts. Last time out against the Cubs, he picked up the loss as he pitched five innings and gave up four earned runs. In his last four starts, Suppan has walked a combined 15 batters. Lifetime against the Tigers, Suppan is 8-6 with a 4.63 ERA in 20 starts. Not included in those numbers is a start that Suppan made against the Tigers in last year's World Series. Suppan started Game Four and threw six innings while giving up three runs in a no-decision. Magglio Ordonez is 17-43 with two doubles, two homers and six RBI against Suppan in his career.

Verlander is coming off one of his best outings of the season. He threw seven scoreless innings against the Rangers last week. Two starts ago, he had his worst start of the year against the Indians in which he gave up seven runs in five innings of work. Verlander has nine quality starts in 12 outings this year. The 2006 AL Rookie of the Year has never faced the Brewers in his career. Tony Graffanino is the only Brewer to have a hit against Verlander in his career.

Wednesday - 6:05 PM CDT:

LHP Chris Capuano (5-5, 4.35) vs. LHP Mike Maroth (4-2, 5.29)

Capuano will be looking to end a personal five game losing streak after starting the season 5-0. Before his last start against Texas, Capuano pitched back to back quality starts but could not pick up a win in either of them. In his last start on Friday night, he threw just four innings and gave up six runs, all earned. Capuano will be making his second career start against the Tigers. In his only start against Detroit which was last season at Miller Park, he pitched seven innings and gave up three runs in a win for the Brewers. Sean Casey is 5-12 with two homers and three RBI against Capuano in his career.

Maroth is coming off his first win in almost a month for the Tigers. He threw five innings and gave up three runs against the Rangers. Maroth has seen his ERA rise each month this season. He is 1-0 with a 6.55 ERA in two starts in June. Last month, he had an ERA of 5.27 and April it was 4.82. Maroth has given up 15 home runs in 11 starts this season. Also, Maroth has more walks than strikeouts this year with 27 walks and 22 strikeouts. This will be Maroth's first career appearance against the Brewers. Graffanino will get the start at second base as he is 13-34 with a double, a triple, and a homer against Maroth in his career.

Thursday - 12:05 PM CDT:

RHP Ben Sheets (6-3, 3.21) vs. RHP Chad Durbin (5-2, 4.59)

Sheets has been on a roll as of late. He has not allowed a run his last two starts. Also, Sheets has not allowed more than three runs in any start since April 15th. Sheets was in line to win Saturday against the Rangers when Cordero blew his first save of the year. He threw seven scoreless innings and struck out six Ranger batters. Sheets made his only start against the Tigers during his rookie year. He picked up a no-decision in that start after throwing seven innings in which he gave up three runs. Placido Polanco is 10-25 with a double and two RBI against Sheets in his career. All of those at-bats came when Polanco was in the National League with the Cardinals and Phillies.

Durbin has been filing this year for Kenny Rogers who has been out since spring training. Rogers is getting close to coming back after making a rehab start for Toledo on Sunday. Durbin has pitched fairly well since his since first three starts of the season. In his last nine starts, he is 5-1 with a 3.16 ERA. Durbin has never faced the Brewers in his career. Graffanino is the only active Brewer with a hit off Durbin and it was a home run.

Brewers go with Big Bat in First Round

2007-06-07T20:58:00.001-05:00

Brewers selected Flordia first baseman/left fielder Matt LaPorta with the seventh pick in the first round of the MLB first-year player draft. LaPorta played mostly first baseman his last couple years at Florida. He also played some outfield earlier in his college career. LaPorta played catcher in high school. The Brewers worked out LaPorta in the outfield at the Brevard County ballpark and they believe he can play left field. LaPorta was the SEC player of the year in 2005 and 2007. LaPorta hit 20 homers with 52 RBI with a batting average of .402 in 2007. Also, LaPorta walked 55 times and struck out only 16 times. It appears that the Brewers will be able to sign LaPorta even though he is a Scott Boras client and hopefully soon.

The Brewers' third round pick was Louisana-Lafayette catcher Jonathan Lucroy. Lucroy hit .360 with 18 homers and 68 RBI in the 2007 season. The Crew then selected Loyola Marymount second baseman Eric Farris in the fourth second. Farris stole 33 bases and hit .349 for the Lions this past season. The Brewers selected their first high school player of this year's draft in the fifth round with the pick of center fielder Caleb Gindl. He has a great arm and was also a pitcher in high school but will most likely work his way up the Brewers system as an outfielder. Much more information on these four players at Brewerfan.net.

Tom Haudricourt was at the draft in the Florida for the Journal Sentinel and writes about how the baseball draft has come of age.

The Journal Sentinel's Rick Braun discusses the Brewers' first round pick.

The Wisconsin State Journal's take on the selection of LaPorta.

Adam McCalvy writes about the Brewers' first day picks.

The draft continues today starting with the sixth round. Follow the Brewers picks with Brewerfan.net. Follow the rest of the draft picks at MLB.com.

2007 MLB Draft Preview

2007-06-07T02:15:00.000-05:00

The Brewers have the seventh pick in Thursday's first round of the MLB First-Year Player Draft. The draft will take place over two days, Thursday and Friday. The first round pick for the Brewers is very important because after that pick, the Brewers do not pick until overall pick 101 which is in the third round. The Brewers lost their second round pick to the Cardinals because of the signing of Jeff Suppan. Also, with the way the Brewers are playing so far this season, it does not appear they will pick anyway near that high in the first round next year.

Many players have seen their stock fall because they are represented by agent Scott Boras who has been known to advise players not to sign unless certain monetary requirements are met. Here is a partial list of major league players that are represented by Boras. Prince Fielder signed with Boras after he was drafted so the Brewers did not have to deal with him when they drafted Fielder. Many teams are worried that they not be able to sign a Boras represented player and may go into a different direction which may leave the Brewers with an interesting choice to make at pick seven. The Royals appear to be avoiding Boras players all together.

Since Jack Zduriencik took over as the Director of Amateur Scouting, he has done a nice job of picking position players in the first round but has struggled a bit picking pitchers. He has only taken high school pitchers in the first round and Mike Jones picked in 2001 and Mark Rogers selected in 2004 have had major injury problems. Prince Fielder (2002), Rickie Weeks (2003) and Ryan Braun (2005) were all selected by Zduriencik in the first round. So, if Zduriencik and Team Canada (Doug Melvin and Gord Ash) decide to go with a pitcher, it will most likely be a high school one and possibly even a Canadian high school pitcher by the name of Phillipee Aumont. If I had to guess on the pick, Aumont would be the guy I think the Brewers will pick. There a number of high school pitchers they are looking at as well along with a few position players. One name in that area is Georgia Tech catcher Matt Wieters who may fall to seven because he is represented by Boras.

Where to follow the draft online:

Brewerfan.net - Draft Coverage

This site does the best job of covering the Brewers' draft picks. You will be amazed by how in depth they go on each selection by the Brewers. Here is the list of Brewerfan.net's top 30 prospects for this year's draft.

MLB.com Draft Central

The official website for Major League Baseball has a slew of resources for this year's draft. There are prospect videos as well as a draft tracker to follow every pick online. This year's first round of the draft will be broadcast on ESPN2 and similcast on MLB.com, the first time the draft will be on television. After ESPN2's coverage is over MLB.com will pick up coverage.

Check back here tonight for a recap of the Brewers' early round selections in this year's draft.

Brewers (33-27) @ Rangers (21-39) - Series Preview

2007-06-07T02:08:00.000-05:00

The Brewers hit the road to restart interleague play this weekend. The Crew will take on the Rangers, Tigers and Twins during the nine-game trip. The Brewers finished their ten-game home stand with a record of 5-5. The last time the Brewers played the Rangers was in 1997 when the Brewers were still in the American League. The all-time series between the Brewers and Rangers stands at 181-152 in favor of the Brewers. The Brewers helped open the Rangers' current ballpark in April of 1994. The stadium is now known as Rangers Ballpark in Arlington.

Pitching match ups:

Friday - 7:35 PM CDT:

LHP Chris Capuano (5-4, 3.80) vs. RHP Robinson Tejeda (4-6, 6.28)

Capuano had a very nice outing last time out against the Marlins. He even hit his first career homer which gave the Brewers a 1-0 lead at that time in the game. Capuano ended up striking out ten while giving up just three hits and two runs in seven innings of work. He ended up with a no-decision as Jose Capellan gave up three runs in the top of the eighth inning and the Brewers lost 5-2. Capuano has never faced the Rangers in his career. Sammy Sosa is 3-8 with a homer against Capuano is his career.

After having an ERA of 3.82 in April, Tejeda struggled in May with an ERA of 8.57 and things have not gotten any better in June. In his last start, Tejeda gave up eight runs, seven earned in five and two thirds innings pitched against the Mariners in Seattle. Look for the Brewers to stack the lineup with left-handed batters against Tejeda. Lefties have hit nine of the ten home runs that Tejeda has given up this year. Righties are hitting .241 against Tejeda this year while lefties have a batting average of .310. Tejeda will be making his first career start against the Brewers. He made one relief appearance against the Brewers in 2005 as a member of the Phillies. Craig Counsell is 1-1 against Tejeda and that one hit was a two-run homer in 2005.

Saturday - 7:35 PM CDT:

RHP Ben Sheets (6-3, 3.51) vs. RHP Brandon McCarthy (4-4, 6.35)

Sheets seems to be getting better with each start. In his last start against the Marlins, Sheets had his best curveball of the year working as he struck out seven batters. Sheets picked up his sixth win of the season after working six scoreless innings against Florida. Since giving up seven runs to the Cardinals on April 15th, Sheets has shaved more two runs off his ERA. This will be Sheets' first start against the Rangers. But, Sheets has faced Sosa a number of times in his career. Sosa is 14-34 with four doubles, four homers, eight RBI and nine strikeouts against Sheets.

McCarthy came over to the Rangers in this past off season in a trade from the White Sox. One thing that McCarthy and Sheets have in common this year is that they have had problems with blisters. That is what kept McCarthy out of his last start. McCarthy threw on Tuesday and should be ready to go for Saturday night. He last pitched against the Red Sox and left after giving up four runs in two innings. McCarthy struggled out of the gate this year with a 9.90 ERA in April but stepped up this game in May with an ERA of 3.55. Tony Graffanino has the most career hits against McCarthy with two in five at-bats.

Sunday - 7:35 PM CDT:

RHP Dave Bush (3-6, 5.67) vs. RHP Vicente Padilla (2-8, 6.45)

In a rare Sunday night game for the Brewers, Bush will be looking to finish strong this outing. Last time out for Bush, he gave up just one run in the first six innings of the game against the Cubs. However, Bush left in the seventh inning with two runners on and ended up being charged with four runs in six innings of work. Bush has made one start in his career against the Rangers. He threw seven innings in that start and gave up four earned runs in a no-decision. Kenny Lofton, who recently turned 40, is 5-12 with two RBI against Bush in his career.

Padilla looks like he is ready to go for Sunday. He missed his last start due to irritation in his right triceps. In his last start, Padilla only pitched three innings and gave up seven runs. Padilla has struggled most of the season for the Rangers. However, Padilla has pitched much better at home than on the road. He has an ERA of 3.94 at home while he sports an ERA of 8.74 away from Arlington, Texas. He is 2-2 with a 3.75 ERA in six career starts against the Brewers. Geoff Jenkins 6-14 with a double and triple in his career against Padilla.

Cubs (23-31) @ Brewers (32-25) - Series Preview

2007-06-04T00:04:00.000-05:00

The Cubs visit Miller Park for the last time this season in a three-game set to finish up the Brewers' current ten-game home stand. The Brewers finally won a series by beating the Marlins three of four over the weekend. It was the first series won by the Brewers since they swept the Nationals May 7-9 at Miller Park. The season series currently stands at three games a piece between the Brewers and Cubs. The Brewers play the Cubs at Wrigley Field in two more series later this season.

The Cubs obviously had some issues over the weekend. Players fighting with each other. Manager Lou Piniella was ejected for the first time this season on Saturday. They finally won a game Sunday on their six-game home stand that just ended. Piniella has been suspended indefinitely pending a meeting with a major league baseball official.

A couple injury updates from Rick Braun. Looks like Damian Miller should be ready to start Wednesday's day game after missing Sunday's game which he would usually start. Elmer Dessens is getting closer to going out on a rehab assignment. The question is what happens when he is ready to come back? Who knows at his this point.
Pitching match ups:

Monday - 7:05 PM CDT:

RHP Jason Marquis (5-2, 2.93) vs. RHP Dave Bush (3-5, 5.64)

The Brewers missed Marquis in the first two series with the Cubs this year. In last start, Marquis picked up a loss against the Marlins. He gave up four runs in five innings of work in that outing. Everyone ripped on the Cubs for giving Marquis the contract they did during the off season, but Marquis has sure earned his money so far. In his career against the Brewers, Marquis is 4-6 with a 4.43 ERA in 13 appearances, 11 of which were starts. Craig Counsell is 8-24 with a homer, triple, and two doubles in his career against Marquis. Bush is coming off a bounce back start in which he gave up just one run in seven innings of work. He continues to have a great strikeout to walk ratio at 52 to 12. In his last start, Bush struck out six while walking none. However, the Brewers blew the lead in that game and ended up losing 9-3 to the Braves. This will be Bush's seventh in his career against the Cubs. Bush faced the Cubs earlier this season at Miller Park when the Cubs ambushed Bush for six runs in the first inning. Bush then threw five scoreless innings after the bad first frame. He is 1-3 with a 3.89 ERA lifetime against the Cubs. Matt Murton is 5-12 with two triple and three RBI in this career against Bush.

Tuesday - 7:05 PM CDT:

LHP Ted Lilly (4-3, 3.52) vs. RHP Claudio Vargas (3-1, 3.90)

Lilly has struggled over his last two starts and has seen his ERA go up about a run over his last three starts. In his last start which was against the Marlins, Lilly gave up five runs in seven innings of work. Earlier this year at Wrigley Field, Lilly beat the Brewers by throwing seven innings and giving up only one earned run. That was his first career start against the Brewers. Lilly has one other career appearance against the Crew. Tony Graffanino is 8-19 with two double and three RBI in his career against Lilly. Vargas looked better in his last start than his previous two. He still got in trouble but for the most part got out of it. Vargas ended up pitching six innings and giving up three runs, two of which were earned. This season against the Cubs, Vargas has really struggled and he has an ERA of 10.50 in two outings. He has also not fared well against the Cubs in his entire career. Vargas is 0-2 with a 9.00 ERA lifetime against the Northsiders. Aramis Ramirez is 5-11 with two homers and five RBI in his career against Vargas.

Wednesday - 1:05 PM CDT:

RHP Carlos Zambrano (5-5, 5.62) vs. RHP Jeff Suppan (7-5, 3.71)

Zambrano will start this game after only being fined for multiple skirmishes with Michael Barrett after coming out of his last start which was against the Braves. In that start, Zambrano gave up 13 hits, seven runs, six earned in five innings of work. The Cubs lost the game 8-5. Zambrano is 1-0 with a 3.65 ERA in two starts against the Brewers this year. In his career against the Brewers, Zambrano is 8-7 with a 4.13 ERA in 18 appearances, 17 of which were starts. Prince Fielder is 5-16 with three doubles in his career against Zambrano. In stark contrast to out of control Zambrano is Suppan who always controls his emotions out on the mound. In his last start, Suppan was charged with four runs while pitching seven runs. It could have easily been a quality start, if a throw had been made to the right base but the Brewers won the game against the Marlins nonetheless. Suppan has not given more than four runs in any start this year for the Brewers. In his career against the Cubs, Suppan is 5-4 with a 2.93 ERA in 14 starts. He beat the Cubs earlier this year at Wrigley by pitching eight scoreless innings and scattering eight hits. Derrek Lee is 15-31 with three homers in his career against Suppan.

Zambrano/Barrett fight

2007-06-02T17:46:00.000-05:00

Check out the post by our friends at Brewers Fanatics about the fight between Carlos Zambrano and Michael Barrett. Funny stuff.

By the way, the Cubs (Completely Useless By Spring) lost for their sixth straight game.

GO CREW!

Hart succeds in lead off spot

2007-06-02T13:00:00.000-05:00

With Rickie Weeks on the 15 day DL out with a wrist injury 6' 6" Corey Hart has been thrown into the lead off spot with positive results. Over the last five games Hart has gone 9 for 19 raising his average 40 points from .258 to .298. He also has scored 4 runs, walked twice, and stolen two bases over the same period. Hart who is the tallest player on the team is also its fastest.

Entering this season I predicted that Hart would hit some where between 25 and 30 home runs. Through play so far this season Hart only has one home run in 108 at bats. Last year he hit 9 home runs in 237 at bats. For his career entering this season Hart had 11 home runs in 295 at bats.

The reduction in Hart's power numbers can be attributed to Hart suffering a wrist injury in late April. As a result his playing time throughout the season has been sporadic. Hart who had been slotted as the starting right fielder at the beginning of the year found his playing time even more limited with the good play of Tony Gwynn Jr.

Also holding Hart back during his injury was his sub par defense. A converted third baseman , Hart has made strides in the outfield but was passed over by Yost in favor of the natural outfielder Gwynn.

Much has been made of the Brewers depth this year but this is just another example of how the Brewers are able to fill holes that emerge over a 162 game season.

Now the failed third base platoon of Counsell and Graffanino moves to second base. Graffanino is a natural second baseman and while Counsell is a natural shortstop he has a lot of experiance at second base. Prior to this season both had limited experience playing third base so maybe the their increased defensive comfort level with have a postive impact at the plate.

Marlins (26-27) @ Brewers (29-24) - Series Preview

2007-05-30T23:03:00.000-05:00

The Brewers continue their ten-game home stand with a four-game set against the Marlins. Earlier this season, the Brewers took two of three from the Marlins down in Miami. The Crew has lost six straight series after dropping two of three to the Braves at Miller Park. In that series against the Braves, the Brewers got quality starts from Chris Capuano, Ben Sheets and Dave Bush but were only able to win one game. The Marlins have a tough young lineup and they just swept the Cubs at Wrigley Field in a three-game series. As a team, the Marlins are in the top five in the NL in many offensive categories.

Corey Hart started in all three games against the Braves and picked up five hits in the series. It was the first time Hart started at least three games in a row since the first week of May. Hart was supposed to be the everyday right fielder at the start of the season but a wrist injury last month changed things a little bit. The injury lingered for Hart and was unable to play everyday and other outfielders like Gabe Gross and Tony Gwynn got starts in right. He is now close to 100 percent again and Yost appears ready to give Hart the chance to play everyday again.

Pitching match ups:

Thursday:

RHP Wes Obermueller (1-3, 5.28) vs. RHP Claudio Vargas (3-1, 4.01)

Obermueller pitched and hit for the Brewers from 2003-05. His pitching' stats were average for the Brewers but in 2004 Obermueller hit .385 with an OPS of .862 in 39 at-bats. Obermueller was traded to the Braves for Dan Kolb before the 2006 season. Obermueller never made the Braves big league roster and spent part of 2006 with the Braves Triple A team, Richmond. He spent the rest of the 2006 pitching in Japan. Now back in America, Obermueller has taken Ricky Nolasco's spot in the rotation while he recovers from an injury. Obermueller had been filling quite nicely until his last start in which he gave up seven runs in four innings against the Mets. He has never faced the Brewers in his career. Craig Counsell is the only current Brewer to have faced Obermueller and he is 1-3 lifetime against him. Vargas picked up his first loss of the season in last start against the Padres in San Diego. He allowed ten hits and four runs in five and a third innings in that outing at PETCO Park. Vargas pitched against the Marlins earlier this year and gave up one earned run and struck out nine in five innings of work. He is 7-3 with a 3.54 ERA against the Marlins in his career. Miguel Cabrera has two homers in 14 careers at-bats against Vargas.

Friday:

LHP Scott Olsen (4-4, 5.11) vs. RHP Jeff Suppan (6-5, 3.58)

Olsen had his worst start of the month last time out against the Mets. He gave up five runs in five innings of work. Olsen's ERA is still more than a run lower in May compared to last month. He is 1-0 with a ERA of 1.42 lifetime against the Brewers. J.J. Hardy is the only Brewer with a hit off Olsen in his career. Suppan picked up a loss in his last start against the Padres but did have a quality start. He went six innings and gave up three runs while walking six batters. That is the highest walk total by far for Suppan in any start this season. The last time Suppan walked six or more batters was July 28th, 2004 when he walked ten Cincinnati Reds' batters. Suppan is 3-3 with a 3.32 ERA in ten career starts against the Marlins. He lost against the Marlins earlier this year. In that outing, Suppan gave up four earned runs in six innings of work. Cabrera is 6-14 with two homers in his career against Suppan.

Saturday:

RHP Byung-Hyun Kim (3-2, 5.16) vs. LHP Chris Capuano (5-4, 3.94)

Kim was solid last time out against the Cubs when he threw six scoreless innings and gave up just three hits. Since being traded from Colorado earlier this year, Kim is 2-0 with a 3.24 ERA for the Marlins in three starts. In his career against the Brewers, Kim is 1-1 with a 4.66 ERA in 14 appearances, two of which were starts. Geoff Jenkins has a homer and two RBI in nine career at-bats against Kim. Even though Capuano pitched a lot better in his last start than his previous three, the result was the same: a loss. Capuano has now lost four straight starts. On Memorial Day, Capuano threw seven innings and gave up just two runs to the Braves. Capuano will look to end his personal losing streak against the Marlins who he is 3-1 with a 2.91 ERA against in his career. Josh Willingham is 4-6 with a homer against Capuano in his career.

Sunday:

LHP Dontrelle Willis (7-3, 4.83) vs. RHP Ben Sheets (5-3, 3.82)

Willis sports a great win-loss mark so far this year even though his ERA is much higher than his career ERA. He last pitched on Tuesday against the Cubs. Willis pitched seven innings and gave up four runs while picking up his seventh win of the season. He has given up 11 home runs in 2007 compared to 2005 when he gave up 11 homers in the entire season. In four career starts against the Brewers, Willis is 3-1 with a 2.57 ERA. Bill Hall is 3-10 against Willis in his career. Sheets was pushed back one day because of a blister. He showed no ill effects of the blister in his last start against the Braves on Tuesday. Sheets did give up 11 hits in six innings but only three runs all of which came in the first inning. He picked up the win as the Brewers were able to battle back against the Braves. Sheets is 4-1 with a 2.99 ERA in his last eight starts this year. The Brewers' ace is 2-4 with a 3.42 ERA in eight career starts against the Marlins. Willingham is 4-5 with a homer in his career against Sheets.

Braves (28-22) @ Brewers (28-22) - Series Preview

2007-05-28T12:00:00.000-05:00

The Brewers return home after a tough road trip out on the west coast. In the last 16 games, the Brewers are 4-12. This ten-game home stand starts with the Brewers first series against the Braves this season. The Brewers will also take on the Marlins and Cubs in this home stand.

Pitching match ups:

Monday:

LHP Chuck James (4-4, 4.13) vs. LHP Chris Capuano (5-3, 4.13)

James has allowed three runs in each of his last two starts, both losses for the Braves. In the month of May, James is 1-2 with a 3.51 ERA in five starts. James only has made one career appearance against the Brewers. He threw a third of a inning in relief and gave up one hit in that outing. Prince Fielder is the only Brewers' hitter to have an at-bat against James in his career. After starting the season with a record of 5-0, Capuano has been in a slump in his last three starts. In those starts, Capuano is 0-3 with a 9.45 ERA. In his career against the Braves, Capuano is 2-2 with a 3.86 ERA in five appearances, four of which were starts. Andruw Jones is 4-12 with three homers lifetime against Capuano.

Tuesday:

RHP John Smoltz (7-2, 2.58) vs. RHP Ben Sheets (4-3, 3.75)

In his last start, Smoltz picked up 200th career win with a victory over the Mets. Smoltz has not given up a run in either of his last two starts. He is having a great month of May with a record of 4-1 and a 1.04 ERA in five starts. In his career against the Brewers, Smoltz is 3-0 with a 2.45 ERA in 12 appearances, 3 starts. Bill Hall is 2-6 with a homer against Smoltz in his career. Sheets will make his start on Tuesday after being bumped back a day because of a blister. He left his last start against the Dodgers early because of that blister. In the month of May, Sheets is 3-1 with a 3.06 ERA in five starts. Lifetime against the Braves, Sheets is 7-3 with a 4.83 ERA. Andruw Jones is 10-31 with two homers against Sheets in his career.

Wednesday:

RHP Tim Hudson (5-3, 2.79) vs. RHP Dave Bush (3-5, 6.13)

Hudson's worst starts have come in his last two starts. He has given up 11 runs combined in those two starts. Before those starts, Hudson had not given up more than three runs in any start. Hudson is 1-1 with an ERA of 3.57 in three career starts against the Brewers. Hall is 4-10 lifetime against Hudson. Bush was hurt again by the big inning in his last start. In the fifth inning against the Padres, Bush gave up five runs including a grand slam. Bush continues to have a good strikeout to walk ratio at 46 to 12 but he is just giving up too many hits. His batting average against is .304 for the season so far. Bush is 2-3 with a 5.40 ERA in five career starts against the Braves. Edgar Renteria is the only current Brave to face Bush and he is 4-9 against the righty in his career.

Braun in Lineup

2007-05-25T18:56:00.000-05:00

Ryan Braun was not called up to sit down. Braun is in the lineup for tonight's game against the Padres. Ned Yost has slotted Braun in the two hole. The Brewers also officially sent Greg Aquino to Triple A Nashville after he finished his rehab stint with the Sounds. The rest of the Brewers' lineup to face Greg Maddux tonight is as follows:

2B Rickie Weeks
3B Ryan Braun
SS J.J. Hardy
1B Prince Fielder
RF Geoff Jenkins
CF Bill Hall
C Damian Miller
RF Gabe Gross
RHP Dave Bush

Braun to the Bigs

2007-05-24T22:16:00.000-05:00

There were some rumblings that started this afternoon on Brewerfan.net about Brewers third base prospect Ryan Braun being called from Triple A Nashville. It is now confirmed, Braun has been called up to the big club and will be joining the team in San Diego. Also, in that article Journal-Sentinel Brewers beat writer Tom Haudricourt says that Braun will be in San Diego in time to be in the lineup when the Brewers take on the Padres on Friday. Long man out of the bullpen Elmer Dessens goes to the DL to make move for Braun. Dessens has a right shoulder strain.

Braun was drafted by the Brewers in the first round of the 2005 draft out of the University of Miami. He recently came off the DL down in AAA. Since returning from the DL, Braun has hit two homers to up his 2007 total to ten. Braun has a batting average of .342 at Nashville after going 0-4 tonight against Memphis. Last year, Braun hit 22 homers combined at Single A Brevard County and Double A Huntsville.

Brewers (28-19) @ Padres (26-21) - Series Preview

2007-05-24T19:25:00.000-05:00

The Brewers finish up their west coast road trip with a three-game set against the Padres at pitcher friendly Petco Park. The Brew Crew have lost four straight series but still have a six game lead in the NL Central. After this series, the Brewers come home for a ten-game homestand that starts on Memorial Day against the Braves.

Friday:

RHP Dave Bush (3-4, 5.56) vs. RHP Greg Maddux (3-3, 4.14)

Last time out for Bush, he felt he pitched well even though the results did not show that. Bush gave up five runs in seven and a third innings of work. Last year, Bush threw a complete game three-hitter in which he gave up one run against the Padres. That was only career start for Bush against the Padres. At the age of 41, Maddux is showing that he still get it done as he adds to his Hall of Fame resume. The last start for Maddux was his worst of the season. He gave up seven runs in three and two thirds innings pitched against the Mariners. It was the first start this season for Maddux that he gave up more than four runs or pitched less than five innings. In his career against the Brewers, Maddux is 13-6 with a 2.66 ERA in 24 starts. Geoff Jenkins is 22-49 with a homer against Maddux in his career. Look for Damian Miller to be the lineup against the Padres on Friday, he is 14-38 against Maddux lifetime.

Saturday:

RHP Claudio Vargas (3-0, 3.68) vs. RHP Justin Germano (2-0, 0.47)

Vargas had a tough start last time out against the Twins. He gave up five runs in four innings of work but the Brewers were able to come back and pick up the win. That was his worst start of the season. Vargas has had some success in his career against the Padres. He is 2-3 with a 2.68 ERA in eight career appearances, six starts. Padres second baseman Marcus Giles is 7-16 lifetime against Vargas. Germano has been filling very nicely for the injured Clay Hensley. He has given up just one run in three starts. Last year Germano started a game against the Brewers as a member of the Reds. He gave up four runs in five and two thirds innings in a loss to the Crew. Bill Hall had a homer against Germano in that game.

Sunday:

RHP Jeff Suppan (6-4, 3.49) vs. RHP Jake Peavy (6-1, 1.63)

Suppan stopped a personal two game losing streak by picking up a win over the Dodgers Monday night. He only gave up one hit in the first five innings then things got a little tougher for Suppan in the sixth. Suppan had some wiggle room in the game as the Brewers had a 8-0 lead and won the game 9-5. He ended up going six innings and allowing four runs. In his career against the Padres, Suppan has a record of 3-2 and a 6.56 ERA in seven starts. This season, Peavy has had only two starts in which he gave up more than two runs. Last time out against the Cubs, Peavy gave up one run in six innings to pick up his sixth win of the win. Lifetime against the Brewers, Peavy is 1-2 with a 3.51 ERA in six starts. Jenkins is 6-16 with three homers against Peavy in his career.

Hardy not in lineup for rubber match vs. Dodgers

2007-05-23T20:51:00.000-05:00

Hardy gets the day off tonight according to JSOnline Sports Watch. He has struggled at the plate during this series, 1 for 9 with 4 strikeouts.

Tonights lineup:
1. 2B Weeks
2. RF Gwynn
3. 1B Fielder
4. CF Hall
5. C Estrada
6. RF Jenkins
7. 3b Graffanino
8. SS Counsell
9. P Capuano

It appears that Hall batting 7th was just an experiment but not something they are willing to commit to, even though that lineup produced 8 runs in game one of this series. Don't be surprised to see Hall move down if he doesn't start hitting soon.

GM Doug Melvin and Asst. GM Gord Ash visited Nashville to watch Ryan Braun and Yovani Gallardo yesterday.

Gallardo struck out 10 and allowed one run during six innings of work, winning his Pacific Coast League high sixth victory and lowering his league low ERA to 2.14.

Braun, out of the lead off spot hit his 9th home run. He also hit a double that scored the go ahead run. The Nashville Sounds won 3-1.

By the way, Braun hit his 10th home run today......watch out.

Nashville Sounds stats.

Bill Hall falls to 7th in the Batting Order

2007-05-21T20:59:00.000-05:00

Tonights lineup against the Los Angeles Dodgers looks like this:

1. 2B Rickie Weeks
2. RF Tony Gwynn Jr.
3. SS J.J. Hardy
4. 1B Prince Fielder
5. C Johnny Estrada
6. LF Geoff Jenkins
7. CF Bill Hall
8. 3B Craig Counsell
9. P Jeff Suppan

Hall falling to 7th is obviously because of his lack of production out of the clean-up spot. So far this year he is batting .261 with 6 HR's and 19 RBI's. His numbers aren't awful but they are not the numbers everyone expected after he signed his large off season contract.

Yost also mixed things up at the top of the order leaving Weeks in the lead off spot but putting Gwynn in the second spot with Hardy and Fielder each moving down a spot in the order.

Big win before West Coast road trip

2007-05-21T01:05:00.000-05:00

-Yesterday's 6-5 win against the Minnesota Twins was important. How important? Right now it's tough to tell but maybe we will look back at this win as the one that got the Brewers out of their current slump. The Brewers needed to get their confidence back, especially offensively, after a miserable East Coast trip and losing the first two of their three game series against the Twins. This come-from-behind victory provided the confidence boost that will hopefully carry them through the West Coast for their games against the Dodgers and Padres.

-The Brewers bullpen reinforced their dominance after some sub par pitching over the last few games. Cordereo was especially on target striking out the three batters he faced to get the save.

-The play of the day was Geoff Jenkin's three-run homer in the 5th inning to tie the game 5 to 5. It was his 9th on the year and 200th for his career, all of them with the Brewers. I was at the game and it was a great moment. The crowd went nuts when he hit the home run and Jenkins was obviously pumped up as he ran around the bases. The fans kept cheering long after Jenkins went into the dugout and he eventually came out for a well deserved curtain call. It reminded me how awesome curtain calls are, they are one of the coolest things in all of sports.

-Rickie Weeks was held out of the lineup again because he has a sore wrist but Ned Yost said, in an interview with Uecker before the game, that he might play today but for sure on Tuesday. He obviously hasn't been hitting like he is capable of and a lot of that could be attributed to his injury but he has been getting on base fairly well and scoring runs. Those are the two most important things for a lead off hitter. Still I don't object to Tony Gwynn Jr. getting some starts in right field and leading off, even after Weeks returns. Maybe moving Weeks down to sixth or seventh in the order. Anything to relieve the current: Graffinino, Counsell, Pitcher, log jam at the bottom of the order.

-For this upcoming six game road trip anything worse than three wins would be a disappointment. But because of our awful road record last year a split sounds very nice.

Today's Deep Thought
Will the appearance by a few Brewers players on the Young and the Restless soap opera be a distraction? (just kidding)

- Expect a poll on who was the best actor after the episode airs.

Brewers (27-17) @ Dodgers (25-19) - Series Preview

2007-05-20T19:38:00.000-05:00

The Brewers hit the road again, this time to the west coast to take on the Dodgers and Padres. Sunday's win for the Brewers was a big one after dropping the first two games against the Twins. The Brewers were down 4-0 and 5-2 but were able to come back and get a 6-5 win over the Twins. It was a huge day for Geoff Jenkins who had five RBIs including his 200th career home run who which tied the game at five. Jenkins also had a single that scored Prince Fielder which ended up being the winning run.

Rickie Weeks appears close to returning to action for the Brewers. Weeks expects to be in the lineup on Monday when the Brewers start their series against the Dodgers. Also in those notes by Rick Braun, he writes that reliever Greg Aquino will begin a rehab stint with Triple A Nashville on Monday.

The Dodgers were just swept by their American League rival, the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. The Brewers took two of three from the Dodgers in the first series of the season at Miller Park.

Pitching match ups:

Monday:

RHP Jeff Suppan (5-4, 3.25) vs. RHP Brett Tomko (1-4, 5.97)

Suppan has lost his last two starts after a five-game winning streak. In seven innings of work against the Phillies in his last start, Suppan gave up six runs, four earned. Suppan has not looked as sharp in last two starts compared to the rest of his starts this season. In his first start of the year, Suppan faced the Dodgers at Miller Park. He picked up a no-decision after throwing seven innings and giving up two runs. In his career against the Dodgers, Suppan is 3-4 with a 3.78 ERA in eight starts. Jeff Kent is 13-36 with two homers lifetime against Suppan. Tomko was hit around pretty hard by the Cardinals last time out. He gave up eight runs in two and two thirds innings of work. Tomko is 7-1 against the Brewers in his career with a 3.38 ERA in 13 appearances, 11 of those starts. Jenkins will look to keep things going for the Brewers on Monday as he is 10-26 with two homers in his career against Tomko.

Tuesday:

RHP Ben Sheets (4-2, 3.86) vs. LHP Randy Wolf (5-3, 3.91)

Sheets has been slowly getting back to form the last few starts. The Brewers' ace is 3-0 with a 2.75 ERA in his last six starts. He struck out a season high eight in his last start against Phillies which was a win. Sheets shut down the Dodgers on Opening Day by throwing a two-hit complete game in which he gave up just one run. In his career against the Dodgers, Sheets is 3-4 with a 3.36 ERA in eight starts. Wolf faced the Brewers in the second game of the season and picked up the loss. He gave up four runs in six innings. Kevin Mench hit a two-run homer off Wolf in the bottom of the sixth inning that gave the Brewers the lead for good in the game. Wolf is 4-3 with a 4.00 ERA in 13 career starts against the Brewers. Johnny Estrada is 6-10 lifetime against Wolf.

Wednesday:

LHP Chris Capuano (5-2, 3.72) vs. RHP Brad Penny (5-1, 2.54)

Capuano has been off his game in his last two starts. The southpaw has given up ten runs in nine and a third innings combined in those starts. Before those two starts, the Brewers were 7-0 in games when Capuano started. Capuano got a no-decision when he faced the Dodgers earlier this year. In that start, Capuano threw five innings and gave up three runs in a Brewer win. Capuano is 2-2 with a 2.93 ERA in eight career appearances, seven starts against the Dodgers. Russell Martin is 6-9 with a homer lifetime against Capuano. Penny had by far his worst start of the season last time out against the Angels. He gave up eight runs in five innings of work. His ERA jumped up over a run after that start against the Angels. The All-Star Game starter for the National League from a year ago is 2-2 with a 5.65 ERA in six career starts against the Brewers. Jenkins is 5-14 against Penny in his career.