Milwaukee @ Arizona preview

Last Meeting ( Jul 19, 2011 ) Milwaukee 11, Arizona 3

THE STORY: The Milwaukee Brewers have struggled to score runs on the road this season, but that wasn’t the case in Tuesday’s 11-3 win over the Arizona Diamondbacks. When the teams continue their four-game series on Wednesday, it could be a slugfest. The Brewers lead the National League with 111 home runs, while the Diamondbacks are second with 108.

TV: 9:40 p.m. ET, FS Wisconsin, FS Arizona

PITCHING MATCHUP: Brewers LH Chris Narveson (6-6, 4.74 ERA) vs. Diamondbacks LH Joe Saunders (6-8, 3.89 ERA)

Narveson gave up three runs on five hits over six innings in a loss at Colorado last Friday. He is 1-0 with a 4.32 ERA in four career games – three starts - against Arizona. The Brewers are 4-10 in Narveson’s last 14 road starts.

Saunders allowed four runs – three earned – on five hits over six innings Friday against the Dodgers. In his last 11 outings since May 18, Saunders is 6-3 with a 2.88 ERA. The Diamondbacks are 7-3 in his last 10 starts on grass.

ABOUT THE BREWERS (52-46): Ryan Braun (leg injury) was back in the lineup Tuesday after missing 10 of the last 13 games, and the Brewers are thrilled that he was able to avoid the disabled list. However, Braun will be eased back into action to prevent any setbacks. Braun went 1-for-3 with a two-run home run Tuesday before leaving the game after five innings, as planned. Reserve infielder Craig Counsell grounded out as a pinch hitter in Tuesday’s game and is hitless in his last 33 at-bats. Most experts expect the Brewers to deal for help on the left side of the infield, but slumping third baseman Casey McGehee and shortstop Yuniesky Betancourt helped their cause Tuesday by each going 3-for-5. Betancourt also had his first multi-home run game of his career, but the Brewers still figure look for an upgrade. McGehee is batting .228 and Betancourt is at .245 following Tuesday’s action.

ABOUT THE DIAMONDBACKS (52-45): Arizona released reliever Aaron Heilman on Tuesday in order to make space for starting pitcher Barry Enright, who gave up six runs over three innings in his first start since being assigned to Triple-A Reno in May. Heilman went 4-1 with a 6.88 ERA with 11 walks and 13 strikeouts in 32 games with the Diamondbacks. Enright’s poor outing may cause the Diamondbacks to become more proactive on the trade market as they look to strengthen the starting rotation. Zach Duke followed Enright on Tuesday, but the Diamondbacks aren’t likely to return the veteran to the rotation after he went 2-4 with a 5.47 ERA in nine starts. Brandon Allen started at first base on Tuesday and blasted his second home run since the All-Star break. The 25-year-old Allen has always hit for power in the minors, but scouts are divided on his major league prospects.

FINAL PITCH: The Diamondbacks are 20-8 in their last 28 when their opponent scores five runs or more in their previous game.