In a classic case of the irresistible force meeting the immovable object, the Brewers take their 20 game home winning streak against the Pirates into a game where they'll send Jeff Suppan, 0-6 with a 6.70 ERA in his last nine starts, to the mound. Also, it's Jeff Suppan Bobblehead day.
Follow the jump for today's pitching matchup, lineup and conversation on today's game!
Ross Ohlendorf (11-8, 4.10) has beaten the Brewers twice already this season, posting a 2.25 ERA in 12 innings of work. He's 2-0 with a 2.49 ERA in August, and has picked up a quality start in each of his four appearances. He doesn't get a ton of strikeouts (just 5.1 per 9), but he's posted a respectable 1.306 WHIP. He is seventh in the NL with 22 home runs allowed, but his .7 home runs allowed per nine innings would easily be the lowest rate in the Brewer rotation.
He'll face off against Jeff Suppan (5-8, 5.38). As mentioned above, Suppan is 0-6 in his last nine starts, and hasn't won since June 17, with the Brewers going just 1-8 in his starts over that time. He allowed 14 baserunners and four earned runs in 4.1 innings last time out, and his 1.753 WHIP is the third highest ever by a Brewer with 100 or more innings pitched. He's 1-0 against the Pirates this season in two starts, but has posted an 8.00 ERA in those appearances.Hopefully Suppan's bobblehead comes with a replaceable head.
Mike Cameron and Alcides Escobar are getting the day off today: (h/t Tyler Barnes)
Felipe Lopez 2B
Craig Counsell SS
Ryan Braun LF
Prince Fielder 1B
Casey McGehee 3B
Jody Gerut CF
Jason Kendall C
Frank Catalanotto RF
Jeff Suppan P
And in the bullpen:
Todd Coffey pitched one inning (24 pitches) last night, and also pitched on Friday.
David Weathers pitched one inning (14 pitches) last night, and also pitched on Friday.
Carlos Villanueva pitched one inning (19 pitches) last night.
Claudio Vargas pitched one inning (9 pitches) last night.
Trevor Hoffman pitched one inning (21 pitches) Friday.Chris Narveson last pitched on Thursday.
Mark DiFelice last pitched on Thursday.
Mitch Stetter last pitched on Wednesday.
Enjoy the game!