Series Six Pack: Brewers up against Padres

The Milwaukee Brewers (9-8) have finally found that spark that has them on a current seven game winning streak. After back to back sweeps, the Brew Crew now sits above .500 for the first time in 2013 since Opening Day. For the San Diego Padres (5-13), the story hasn’t been the same as they just were swept the by San Francisco Giants. The Padres will now host the red hot Brewers.

Let’s get into it.

San Diego Padres

The San Diego Padres are starting out rough in April. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

In San Diego, the Padres have been trying to find the spark that they had in 2010. Since then, they alongside the Colorado Rockies, have shared the bottom of the National League West. One of the biggest issues facing the Padres is the pitching. The team currently ranks 23rd in ERA (4.43), 28th in quality starts (5) and 29th in WHIP (1.53). Efforts from Jason Marquis and Eric Stults have helped the team. With Tyson Ross on the 15-day disabled list, the Padres may use Andrew Cashner as a starter, who did well in his start against the Giants. Dale Thayer, Anthony Bass and Huston Street have all been productive with low ERAs in the bullpen.

Offense hasn’t been a particular strong suit of the team, but right fielder Chris Denorfia is hitting .346/.404/.519 which leads the team in slash lines. Catcher Nick Hundley has also been productive with the bat (.320 average), but also leads the team in strikeouts (16). Chase Headley was just activated from the DL not too long along and will look to expand upon his breakout 2012. Everth Cabrera leads the team in home runs (2) and Yonder Alonso leads in RBIs (8). Rookie Jedd Gyorko has had trouble at the plate, but as he transitions to second base, maybe he will be more productive for the team.

Milwaukee Brewers

The Milwaukee Brewers look unstoppable for the time being. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports

The wins keeping piling up for the Brewers and this is a team that at the moment can do no wrong. After sweeping both the Chicago Cubs and San Francisco Giants, the Brewers head to San Diego in hopes to continue this hot streak. While much like the Padres, pitching hasn’t been exactly stellar, it’s still early and guys will look to rebound. Kyle Lohse in particular has pitched wonderfully (2.70 ERA, 13 strikeouts), but his 0-1 record is due to a lack of run support. Yovani Gallardo seems to be back to form as he had a strong outing in his last start. The bullpen looks back on track and Jim Henderson now has racked up four saves with only an ERA of 1.00. The team is also experimenting with younger pitchers like Wily Peralta and Hiram Burgos in the starting rotation.

For the Brewers offensively, this is where the core damage has been done. Jean Segura has been on fire, though a little cool now, but still leads the team in hits (22) and with his slash line of .367/.406/.500. Outfielders Carlos Gomez, Norichika Aoki and Ryan Braun have all helped the team with extra base hits and stolen bases. Jonathan Lucroy has been efficient behind the plate and with the bat, being second on the team with RBIs (10). Yuniesky Betancourt had been on an absolute tear lately, but has since gone 1-for-10 at the plate.

The Projected Match-Ups:

Milwaukee’s pitchers will be listed first followed by San Diego’s:

Tonight: Kyle Lohse (0-1, 2.70 ERA) vs Jason Marquis (1-1, 2.41 ERA) at 10:10 p.m. ET / 9:10 p.m. CT

Tuesday: Yovani Gallardo (1-1, 5.24 ERA)  vs Clayton Richard (0-1, 5.28 ERA) at 10:10 p.m ET / 9:10 p.m. CT

Wednesday: Marco Estrada (2-0, 4.50 ERA) vs Edinson Volquez (0-3, 8.84 ERA) at 10:10 p.m. ET / 9:10 p.m. CT