In the first of a four-game series between the Milwaukee Brewers (14-20) and the San Diego Padres (15-20) at Miller Park, Jimmy Nelson (4-2, 3.74 ERA) and James Shields (1-5, 3.60 ERA) take the mound. The game gets underway at 8:10 p.m. ET on Thursday, May. 12 and will air on FSWI and FSSD.
In his last start, Nelson pitched 5.0 innings, giving up six runs (one unearned), striking out five and walking one in a 13-7 victory over the Reds. Ryan Braun (.380, 20 Rs, 7 HRs, 27 RBIs, 2 SBs) played well again yesterday, going 3 for 4 with one RBI. The Padres were unsuccessful the last time Shields pitched. He struggled, going 6.0 innings, allowing four runs, striking out eight and walking five in a 6-3 loss to the Mets.
Oddsmakers have deemed this game an even matchup and the Over/Under (O/U) is unavailable at the moment. The Brewers come into the game with the NL’s fourth-ranked home scoring offense, averaging 5.1 runs per game in their own ballpark. The Brewers typically don’t swing at bad pitches, which has led to an impressive 4.0 walks per game. Milwaukee’s pitching staff has put it all together in the past 10 games. Its average runs allowed per game dropped to 0.0 during that span, compared to its 0.0 season average.
During the last 10 games, they averaged 0.0 runs per game, above their 0.0 season average. San Diego’s pitching staff has allowed an average of 0.0 runs per game during the last 10 games, lower than their season average of 0.0.
Predictions: SU Winner – MIL
Notes
San Diego won its last game in a shutout, its second of the season. Milwaukee has been shut out two times this season.
The Brewers are coming into this game after allowing one walk during their last outing. The Padres have a 2-9 record when opponents give up one walk or less.
When they are outhit, the Brewers are 2-17. The Padres have a 4-14 record when opponents outhit them.
San Diego ranks near the bottom of the league at 24th when it comes to home runs, hitting 29 this season. Milwaukee ranks in the top half with 39.
Ranking 23rd, San Diego is near the bottom of the league in hits, notching 7.83 per game. Milwaukee ranks in the bottom half at 20th with 8.09.
Ranking 29th, San Diego is near the bottom of the league for its on-base plus slugging percentage (.655). Milwaukee ranks in the top half at 12th with an OPS of .743.
When the Padres allow at least one home run, they are 6-11, well-matched with the Brewers who are 11-17 when allowing at least one homer.
