Milwaukee right-hander Zack Greinke eyes his fifth straight winning decision this evening when the Brewers continue a three-game series with the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field.
Greinke has been incredible over his last three starts, allowing just one run in 21 2/3 innings. On Sunday against Minnesota Greinke won his second straight start, as he held the Twins to a run and five hits in 6 2/3 innings to run his record to 5-1, while lowering his earned run average to 2.70.
The 28-year-old hurler, though, has struggled in four starts versus the Diamondbacks, going 0-2 with a 6.12 ERA. He also gave up four runs in five innings to them in last year's National League Division Series.
Arizona, meanwhile, will turn to an impressive hurler of its own in lefty Wade Miley, who is 5-1 with a 2.14 ERA. Miley picked up his second consecutive win on Sunday in Kansas City, as he held the Royals to just six hits over seven scoreless innings.
"I felt good today," said Miley, who has never faced the Brewers. "I had to battle a little bit. I had some guys on base, but I worked through it. I feel good every time out. I want to give the team a chance to win. That's my goal, and things are working out right now."
Arizona's struggles continued in Friday's opener, as Yovani Gallardo tossed 7 1/3 strong innings of one-run ball and Milwaukee rolled to a 7-1 win. Ryan Braun and Corey Hart crushed two-run homers. Rickie Weeks added a solo shot and Cesar Izturis contributed an RBI single for the Brewers, who have won two straight.
Gallardo (3-4) allowed just five hits and three walks while striking out five. Francisco Rodriguez got the final two outs in the eighth thanks to a double play ball, and Jose Veras battled some wildness in the ninth, but turned away the Diamondbacks.
"We really played well today," Brewers manager Ron Roenicke said. "I thought Gallardo pitched well. His command wasn't as sharp as he is at times. The double plays really picked him up, kept his pitch count down and got him out of some trouble. He did throw the ball really well, but I have seem him a little better at command."
Jason Kubel accounted for the only run of the game with a home run for the Diamondbacks, who have dropped three of their last four contests.
Ian Kennedy (3-5) allowed four runs on seven hits and a pair of walks while whiffing seven to absorb the loss.
Arizona was 4-3 in the regular season a year ago against the Brewers.
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