Brewers, Braun brace for Pirates
Ryan Braun should be back in the Milwaukee Brewers’ lineup Sunday afternoon when they wrap up a three-game series with the Pittsburgh Pirates at Miller Park.” MILWAUKEE — Ryan Braun should be back in the Milwaukee Brewers’ lineup Sunday afternoon when they wrap up a three-game series with the Pittsburgh Pirates at Miller Park.Braun had been bothered by a sore right calf the last few days and was limited to pinch-hitting duty as manager Craig Counsell tried to take a conservative approach to the injury.Braun came up big for Milwaukee on Saturday night, breaking 3-3 tie with a two-run double in the eighth inning that proved to be the difference in the Brewers’ 5-3 victory.It’s not the first time Braun has come up big in the clutch for Milwaukee (20-14) this season.
He’s put Milwaukee ahead with a pair of ninth-inning home runs and is 7-for-10 with three home runs and 13 RBIs when batting with runners in scoring position and two outs in 2018.”As a player, those are the situations you hope to have an opportunity to impact the game in,” Braun said.
“Fortunately, I was able to come through tonight.”Orlando Arcia should also be back in the lineup Sunday.
The Brewers shortstop got a day to rest Saturday night and Counsell started Eric Sogard in his place, despite carrying a .107 average into the game.” Orlando Arcia should also be back in the lineup Sunday.
The Brewers shortstop got a day to rest Saturday night and Counsell started Eric Sogard in his place, despite carrying a .107 average into the game.Counsell said before the game that the best way to snap players out of a funk oftentimes is to give them a couple days in the lineup and Sogard rewarded his manager’s faith Saturday, reaching base three times on walks (one intentional) — including the one that set up Braun’s game-winning double.”He’s swung the bat so much better than the numbers would indicate,” Braun said.
“I’ve seen him line out six or seven times probably in last last 15-20 plate appearances and have nothing to show for it, so it was really nice to see him at least get a few walks tonight, and each of the walks seemed to be in a meaningful situation.”I wouldn’t have even gotten an opportunity if not for both him and Domingo (Santana) finding a way to get on base.”A victory Sunday would clinch Milwaukee’s seventh series victory in 11 tries this season.Chad Kuhl (3-2, 5.01 ERA), who’s looking to bounce back from one of his worst outings of the season.” The Pirates (18-16), meanwhile, have won their first three series against NL Central opponents — compiling a 9-4 record in those contests — and will try to stay unbeaten in series play against divisional foes behind right-hander Chad Kuhl (3-2, 5.01 ERA), who’s looking to bounce back from one of his worst outings of the season.He gave up only four hits in that outing — all home runs — and couldn’t get out of the fifth inning as the Pirates fell to Washington 12-4.”Especially against left-handers, the ball was just out over the plate,” Kuhl said after allowing six runs (four earned) over 4 2/3 innings.
“I really wasn’t getting the ball in or up, some of the things you try to do.”Kuhl has fared well against the Brewers over his career.
He’s 2-0 with a 2.42 record including a 2.60 ERA in three starts at Miller Park.He faced them three times last season, and won his only decision while holding the Brewers to four runs with 15 strikeouts in 13 2/3 innings.The lone victory came July 17 in Milwaukee when he struck out seven and held the Brewers to a pair of runs over 5 2/3 innings in a 4-2 Pittsburgh victory.Chase Anderson (3.38 ERA), who improved to 3-2 his last time out despite allowing four runs and walking four over 5 1/3 innings at Cincinnati on Tuesday.” The Brewers counter with right-hander Chase Anderson (3.38 ERA), who improved to 3-2 his last time out despite allowing four runs and walking four over 5 1/3 innings at Cincinnati on Tuesday.Anderson went 3-0 with a 1.56 ERA in three starts against the Pirates in 2017 and is 6-2 with a 2.86 ERA in 11 career starts against Pittsburgh.
Source: STATS/TSX