The Brewers almost won last night much in the way the foam on the root beer you poured from the soda fountain almost didn't spill over the top of your cup and make a mess everywhere. Will similar hi-jinks ensue in tonight's game? I don't know, but I can tell you to follow the jump for the starting matchup, lineup, and bullpen status.
Mike Burns (2-3, 6.30) toes the rubber for the Crew tonight. He was sent down on the 27th and was scheduled to make his first start in AAA since the demotion last night. Fortunately for him, Jeff Suppan hurt his oblique and the Brewers called him up for tonight's game. That didn't stop the Nashville Sounds website from publishing a "Getting To Know Your Sounds" feature about him in the interim. In it we learn he likes to read Maxim, he drives an Escalade, and he's fantastic at Pop-A-Shot. He also is a Dodgers fan, which may explain his best major league start of the year. Maybe he feels an affinity for the Padres, too. Hey, it can't hurt. Sportsnet.ca has their own get to know Mike Burns info:
Burns is COLD 1-1, 8.00 in last 9IP
Canadians, eh?
Facing Mr. Burns is a new arrival to San Diego, 6'5" lefty Clayton Richard (4-3, 4.65). Sent over from Chicago as part of the Jake Peavy trade, he's got a chance to make a good impression early. He faced the Brewers earlier this year as a member of the Pale Hose, picking up a no-decision despite throwing five innings of one-run (unearned) ball. Like seemingly all pitchers, he knocked out a base hit against Milwaukee. It was a double.
The Journal Sentinal has its own take on tonight's matchup:
PROBABLE PITCHERS: Milwaukee RHP Mike Burns (9-7, 3.09 ERA) vs. San Diego RHP Clayton Richard (4-3, 4.65 in AL).
I wish he was Yovani Gallardo, too.
Lineup:
Lopez 2B
Hart RF
Braun LF
Fielder 1B
McGehee 3B
Cameron CF
Hardy SS
Kendall C
Burns P
Bullpen:
Mark DiFelice last pitched all the way back on Tuesday, throwing six pitches to one hitter to end the game.
Claudio Vargas last pitched on Tuesday for the Dodgers, throwing 39 pitches in two innings while striking out four.
Trevor Hoffman last pitched Wednesday, throwing a scoreless inning for a save.
Todd Coffey last pitched Thursday, striking out two in an inning for his 18th hold of the year.
Mitch Stetter threw 17 pitches in one inning on Thursday and 21 pitches in 2/3 inning last night.
Chris Smith struck out two in a scoreless inning last night (yes, Virginia, they do exist!), throwing fifteen pitches in the process. He really, really wants to pitch with a lead (hasn't yet in 21 appearances).
RJ Swindle threw 19 pitches in one inning yesterday while allowing two runs. He has yet to make a scoreless appearance in the majors this year (he has allowed runs in seven of eight career games).