Tonight's Matchup: Brewers (Gallardo) vs. Twins (Liriano)

Good afternoon.  I get my first attempt at a game preview, game thread, and game review today.  After the sweep in New York, hopefully the Brewers can get back on track as they visit the Twins and Target Field.  Today's game is a rematch, as we get a repeat of last Saturday's starting pitchers.

Starting for the Twins is Francisco Liriano (4-6, 4.98 ERA, 4.21 FIP).  His last start was against the Brewers on Saturday, and he was roughed up.  In 3.2 innings, he gave up eight hits, six runs (five earned), two walks, and three strikeouts, on eighty-six pitches.  In his two previous starts before that against the Brewers, he went five innings in both starts, giving up seven hits and three earned runs each time.  Liriano has struggled at home this year, posting a 7.62 ERA in Target Field.  However, in his last two starts there against the Tigers and Rangers, he has a 2.40 ERA in fifteen innings, giving up ten hits, four runs, two walks, and seventeen strikeouts, with an OPS allowed of .403.

After Saturday's start, four Brewers now have ten or more plate appearances against Liriano:

Opposing for the Brewers is Yovani Gallardo (9-4, 3.92 ERA, 3.66 FIP).  In his last start, he was excellent for the Brewers.  He went seven innings, giving up six hits, one run, three walks, and six strikeouts.  Over his five June starts, Gallardo alternated good and bad appearances.  He struggled in starts against the Mets (4 R in 4 IP) and Red Sox (8 R, 5 ER in 5 IP) but pitched well against the Marlins (2 R in 6 IP) and Cubs (1 R in 7 IP)  Overall, in June, he had a 4.00 ERA, and allowed an opponent OPS of .791, though also allowed a BABIP of .378. On the road this season, in 46.1 IP, he has a 4.47 ERA and is allowing an opponent OPS of .802.  In his one appearance at Target Field last year, he allowed four runs on six hits, with three walks and five strikeouts.

After Saturday's start, one Twin now has ten plate apperances against Gallardo.

Tonight's Brewers lineup, from Adam McCalvy:

Rickie Weeks 2B
Carlos Gomez CF
Ryan Braun LF
Prince Fielder 1B
Corey Hart RF
Casey McGehee DH
Yuniesky Betancourt SS
Josh Wilson 3B
Jonathan Lucroy C

Also, here is the Twins lineup, from La Velle E. Neal III of the Minneapolis Star-Tribune:

Ben Revere CF
Alexi Casilla 2B
Joe Mauer C
Michael Cuddyer RF
Jim Thome DH
Danny Valencia 3B
Rene Tosoni LF
Luke Hughes 1B
Tsuyoshi Nishioka SS

In the bullpen:

John Axford pitched 1 inning (22 pitches) yesterday.
Kameron Loe pitched 1 inning (16 pitches) on Wednesday.
Tim Dillard pitched 1 inning (14 pitches) Wednesday and 1 inning (19 pitches) on Tuesday.
Zach Braddock pitched 1 inning (13 pitches) Wednesday and 1 inning (21 pitches) on Tuesday.
LaTroy Hawkins pitched 1 inning (14 pitches) on Tuesday.
Marco Estrada pitched 3 innings (62 pitches) on Tuesday.

As of this writing, I have not heard anything about a roster move for Takashi Saito.  He last pitched 1 inning (15 pitches) in Nashville on a rehab assignment on Tuesday.

Weather could become a factor tonight.  It's a hot day in Minneapolis, temperatures in the 90s for most of the day with heat index over 100 at times.  There is a small chance of rain at the start of the game, but that will increase as the game progresses.  The game should be official tonight, though it's possible it could be shortened.

Don't forget about Prognostikeggers!