Houston @ Milwaukee preview
American Family Field
Last Meeting ( Jul 30, 2011 ) Houston 2, Milwaukee 6
THE STORY: The National League Central-leading Milwaukee Brewers take aim at a sixth straight win when they host the finale of a three-game series with the Houston Astros on Sunday. The Brewers followed a 4-0 shutout win in Friday's opener with a 6-2 triumph Saturday, riding a strong seven-inning performance from Yovani Gallardo and home runs from Corey Hart and Prince Fielder. Milwaukee maintained its 1 1/2-game lead over the St. Louis Cardinals, who come to Miller Park for a three-game set starting Monday.
TV: 2:10 p.m. ET, FS Milwaukee
PITCHING MATCHUP: Astros RH Brett Myers (3-11, 4.66 ERA) vs. Brewers LH Chris Narveson (7-6, 4.41).
Myers is winless since June 17, but has pitched reasonably well in his last three starts, giving up eight runs in 21 innings (3.43 ERA) with 19 strikeouts. He struggled in back-to-back April games against Milwaukee this year, surrendering four home runs and nine runs in 12 1/3 innings of work, but is 5-4 with a 3.70 ERA in 10 career starts against the Brewers. Fielder is 8-for-18 with four homers and nine RBIs against Myers. Narveson has settled down after opening the month with a brutal loss at Minnesota, holding opponents to seven runs in 24 innings over his last four starts (2.63 ERA). He was a loser in his lone outing this year against the Astros, surrendering four runs over six innings in a 5-0 loss on May 1, and he has yet to beat them in six career games (five starts). Houston left fielder Carlos Lee is 5-for-10 against Narveson with a home run and five RBIs.
ABOUT THE ASTROS (35-72): Houston, which shipped All-Star right fielder Hunter Pence to Philadelphia midway through Friday's game, may not be done dealing as its new owners attempt to trim payroll, but for now the team will attempt to build around youth and speed. Center fielder Michael Bourn - who has also been the subject of numerous trade rumors - leads the major leagues with 39 stolen bases, and right fielder Jason Bourgeois, who has filled Pence's spot in the everyday lineup, has 20 steals in only 53 games.
ABOUT THE BREWERS (59-49): Milwaukee's current win streak shouldn't come as a surprise given its play at home this season. The Brewers are an MLB-leading 38-14 at Miller Park. Fielder, who ranks among the National League leaders with 24 home runs and 75 RBIs, paces a three-man nucleus that also includes All-Star left fielder Ryan Braun (.320, 21 HRs, 71 RBIs) and second baseman Rickie Weeks (.272, 19 HRs). Righthander Shaun Marcum (10-3, 3.33) leads a pitching rotation that ranks fifth in the major leagues with 66 quality starts.
FINAL PITCH: Newly acquired infielder Felipe Lopez made his second start at second base Saturday in place of Weeks, who is expected to be out for 3-to-6 weeks with a severe ankle sprain. Lopez went 0-for-4 with three strikeouts after delivering two hits in his debut Friday.