Jun 2, 2014; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Milwaukee Brewers first baseman Mark Reynolds (7) hits a 2-run home run in the fifth inning against the Minnesota Twins at Miller Park. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports
As if the road couldn’t get any tougher for the Diamondbacks to try to salvage the 2014 season, it does with a nine game homestand against the N.L Central leading Milwaukee Brewers and the best team in baseball by record the San Francisco Giants. The Dbacks just finished up a disappointing 1-4 roadtrip getting swept by the hot Houston Astros at Minute Maid Park, and losing two out of three to the rival Dodgers. There is plenty of news to go around, including Bronson Arroyo, and Paul Goldschmidt but the Dbacks must continue to focus on winning one game at a time, and maximize the roster that they have in front of them, despite losing Mark Trumbo who should be back soon, and A.J Pollack.
The Brewers have been a complete surprise so far this season. They lead the N.L Central instead of the Cardinals and its because of the great starting pitching they have gotten in 2014. Yovani Gallardo is the ace and leads the staff, Kyle Lohse is 7-2 with a 3.00 era. Willy Peralta has been a complete surprise, he is 6-5 with a 2.90 era, and Matt Garza has been good, he has a 4-4 record with a 4.17 era. They are getting great offensive seasons out of Carlos Gomez, Johnathan Lucroy, Scooter Gennett, Martin Maldonado, Rickie Weeks, and Ryan Braun.
Key Storylines: Mark Reynolds is still hitting long home runs. In 202 at bats he has 13 HR’s but he still has a low average at .213. Surprisingly he has only struck out 73 times which still leads the Brewers. I am so glad we got rid of him. The Snakes also have to deal with the antics of Carlos Gomez which are frankly annoying.
Game 1: RHP Willy Peralta vs. RHP Brandon McCarthy
Peralta bounced back and threw 6 and a third innings of one run ball against the Mets. He has been one of the best surprise pitchers in baseball this year. He does struggle on the road. He has finished the 7th once in six road starts. McCarthy is the MLB’s loss leader and it just seems like the Gods dont want him to win. In his last start he allowed five runs against the Astros.
Game 2: RHP Kyle Lohse vs. LHP Wade Miley
Kyle Lohse limited the Mets to an unearned run over 7 innings. His 1.04 WHIP is the best for the Brewers rotation. Miley has not won since May 10th. The long ball has been a problem. He has allowed 16. He allowed four runs his last time to the Astros.
Game 3: RHP Matt Garza vs. RHP Chase Anderson
Garza troubles throwing to bases and it finally hurt him. In his last outing he made to throwing errors that led to four unearned runs. He really struggles on the road going 1-6 with a 6.21 era. Anderson won his first five starts before finally losing to the Dodgers. The Dbacks always seem to give him alot of support at home.
Game 4: RHP Yovani Gallardo vs. RHP Josh Collemnter
Gallardo has pitched extremely well as of late giving up a run in his last 14 innings. He pitches really well against the Dbacks. Collmenter has lost his last two outings. He gave up 6 runs against the Dodgers.
Series Prediction: I think the Dbacks could split the series at best but I see them winning one of four. I think Game 1 and Game 2 are to much with Miley and McCarthy on the mound. Game 3 is the best chance for the Dbacks to win because of Garza’s road struggles, and Anderson pitches well at home. Gallardo is on the mound in game 4, enough said.