Milwaukee @ Philadelphia preview
Citizens Bank Park
Last Meeting ( Jul 23, 2012 ) Milwaukee 6, Philadelphia 7
One of the top trade targets thought to be on the market, Milwaukee right-hander Zack Greinke could make his final start in a Brewers uniform as he and his teammates try to even their series with Philadelphia at a game apiece. The Phillies scored four runs in the ninth against closer Francisco Rodriguez to win the opener 7-6 on Monday. That might be the last straw for the Brewers, who have lost nine of 12 on the road and are 18-28 away from Miller Park.
The Phillies are also thought to be possible sellers at the trade deadline, but with their lineup finally close to full strength, Monday's comeback might be enough to bolster their hopes of getting back into the playoff picture. Chase Utley and Ryan Howard, both of whom only recently made their season debuts because of injuries, hit back-to-back homers Monday. Howard was 3-for-5 with three RBIs and has three homers in the past four games.
TV: 7:05 p.m. ET, Fox Sports Wisconsin, CSN Philadelphia
PITCHING MATCHUP: Brewers RH Zack Greinke (9-3, 3.57 ERA) vs. Phillies LH Cliff Lee (1-6, 3.72)
The Brewers skipped Greinke's last start to "let him recharge the batteries" after going 0-1 with a 9.00 ERA in his first four outings in July. He was tagged for six runs (five earned) on seven hits over five innings in his last outing July 13 against Pittsburgh. Greinke is 1-1 with a 3.38 ERA in one start and one relief appearance against the Phillies.
Wins have been hard to come by for Lee, who didn't get his first victory of the season until his 14th start. He has been the victim of plenty of tough luck, as nine quality starts have resulted in losses or no-decisions, including his last outing. He allowed just one run on two hits Wednesday at Los Angeles but didn't get a decision when the Dodgers won in extra innings. Lee is 0-1 with a 4.74 ERA in three starts against the Brewers.
WALK-OFFS
1. The Phillies' last four wins have come in one-run games, and three of their past five games have gone to extra-innings.
2. The Brewers' bullpen has 17 blown saves, second-most in the National League behind Colorado (18).
3. The Phillies have had 252 consecutive regular-season sellouts at Citizens Bank Park.