Brewers at Padres
After barely avoiding a sweep in St. Louis, Milwaukee continues its nine-game road trip with the start of a three-game series in San Diego. Catcher Jonathan Lucroy has given the team a lift by going 5-for-13 in his last four starts, including a huge two-run double in Sunday’s 3-2 win. Third baseman Aramis Ramirez has a seven-game hitting streak.
The Padres, opening a nine-game homestand, own the NL’s worst record at 7-16. They have not won a series this season. The best they’ve done is split four games with Philadelphia at Petco Park. Almost no one is hitting for San Diego; No. 3 batter Chase Headley is in a 2-for-17 skid.
TV: 10:05 p.m. ET, FSN (Milwaukee), FSSD (San Diego)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Brewers LH Randy Wolf (1-2, 7.17 ERA) vs. Padres RH Joe Wieland (0-3, 4.76 ERA)
Wolf finally collected his first win last time out, allowing two runs over six innings in a 9-6 win over Houston. He has struck out just 13 batters while walking nine. Opponents are hitting .315 against him. But San Diego’s Headley is just 2-for-14 (.143) against him in his career.
Wieland has put together two solid starts, allowing three earned runs over 12 innings, but has received little run support. He continues to audition for a long-term spot in the Padres’ rotation. The 22-year-old has limited opposing batters to a .250 average.
WALK-OFFS
1. Brewers closer John Axford has converted 48 straight saves, the fourth-longest streak ever. He’s 5-for-5 this season.
2. Milwaukee leadoff hitter Rickie Weeks is batting .193, but has drawn 14 walks.
3. The Brewers won three of five meetings last season.