Currently: - Game info: 1:05 pm EDT Wed May 21, 2003
The Milwaukee Brewers look to post their first sweep of the season as they play host to the struggling San Diego Padres.
John Vander Wal’s two-out homer gave Milwaukee an 8-7 victory over San Diego on Tuesday night, the team’s second straight win over the Padres.
The Brewers have won four of five after beginning their 13-game homestand with four consecutive losses to the Chicago Cubs. The team is not only in position to sweep its first series of the year, but to post the team’s first three-game winning streak.
“It just seems like you can battle and battle and things don’t go your way,” Milwaukee manager Ned Yost said. “Now, things are starting to go our way.”
The Padres, meantime, have lost a season-high seven straight games, and 15 of 17.
Rookie outfielder Xavier Nady homered and had a career-high four RBIs for San Diego, which despite having the worst record in the NL, is putting forth a solid effort according to their manager.
“They’re fighting,” San Diego manager Bruce Bochy said. “They fought with all they’ve got. That’s a good sign.”
Fifteen of the Padres’ first 32 losses have been by three runs or fewer.
STANDINGS: Padres - 5th place, 15 GB, NL West. Brewers - 6th place, 9 GB, NL Central.
PADRES PROBABLE STARTER: Jake Peavy (4-3, 4.45 ERA). The right-hander is winless in his last four starts, failing to register a decision in his last two outings. In his last start, he allowed four runs and seven hits over six innings of a 6-4 defeat at Atlanta on May 16. Peavy will be making his first-ever start against the Brewers.
BREWERS PROBABLE STARTER: Wayne Franklin (2-4, 6.62 ERA). The left-hander had a 7.56 ERA in his first eight starts, but responded with his best outing of the year in his last outing, a 12-3 win over the Reds on May 16. He struck out nine, three more than his previous career high and the most by a Milwaukee pitcher this season, and allowed two runs on four hits and walked three in six innings. He is facing the Padres for the first time in career.
OFFENSIVE LEADERS: Padres - Nady, .307 avg.; Ryan Klesko, 9 HRs and 27 RBIs; Nady, 25 runs; Ramon Vazquez and Shane Victorino, 6 SBs. Brewers - Alex Sanchez, .280 avg.; Richie Sexson, 14 HRs, 30 RBIs and 35 runs; Eric Young, 12 SBs.
SEASON SERIES: Brewers, 2-0.
STREAKS AND NOTES: Padres - RHP Adam Eaton came off the disabled list to start Tuesday night against Milwaukee. He is the first Padre to make it back from the club’s loaded DL this season. He had a strained right groin. … The Padres have eight inactive players, including RHP Trevor Hoffman and OF Phil Nevin. … Former Brewer INF Mark Loretta is fielding just about everything hit his way. Signed as a free agent by San Diego, he was tied for second among NL second baseman with a .989 fielding percentage with just two errors in 177 total chances through his first 41 games. Brewers - Milwaukee is hoping for the return of two relievers on the disabled list—Jayson Durocher and Valerio De Los Santos—by next Tuesday when it begins a road trip in San Diego. … The Brewers have signed 3B Justin Barnes, a 15th round draft pick in last year’s amateur draft. The 20-year-old will report to the club’s extended spring program in Phoenix. … Left-handed batters are hitting .310 against LHP Franklin this season.
ROAD/HOME RECORDS: Padres - 6-17 on the road; Brewers - 9-16 at home.
INJURIES: Padres - C Gary Bennett (knee), 15-day DL; RHP Clay Condrey (rib cage), 15-day DL; RHP Brandon Villafuerte (shoulder), 15-day DL; RHP Hoffman (shoulder), 60-day DL; RHP Kevin Jarvis (elbow), 60-day DL; LHP Kevin Walker (elbow), 60-day DL; RHP Jay Witasick (elbow), 60-day DL; OF Nevin (shoulder), 60-day DL. Brewers - OF Jeffrey Hammonds (ankle), 15-day DL; LHP De Los Santos (ankle), 15-day DL; RHP Durocher (elbow), 15-day DL; RHP Nick Neugebauer (shoulder), 15-day DL; RHP Todd Ritchie (elbow), 15-day DL.
Gaslamp Ball
Brew Crew Ball
