Benny Sieu-US PRESSWIRE
The Milwaukee Brewers (74-72) will face the Pittsburgh Pirates (74-72) in a critical three-game series that will directly affect who still has a shot at the postseason and who will be realistically out of contention with 13 games left to play. Both teams are currently 2.5 games back of the St. Louis Cardinals (77-70) with 16 to play.
Milwaukee has been sensational over their last 10 games winning seven of them, including a sweep of the Atlanta Braves and a series win over St. Louis. Pittsburgh, on the other hand, has lost eight of their last 10 games while falling apart in the crucial weeks of the season. There is no question this is going to be a wild series filled with excitement and drama.
The following is the Brewers starting lineup against the Pirates for Tuesday night:
Right Field: Norichika Aoki
Second Base: Rickie Weeks
Left Field: Ryan Braun
Third Base: Aramis Ramirez
Catcher: Jonathan Lucroy
First Base: Travis Ishikawa
Center Field: Carlos Gomez
Shortstop: Jean Segura
Pitcher: Yovani Gallardo
Ace Yovani Gallardo will face off against Pittsburgh’s ace A.J. Burnett to jump start the series. Gallardo is 7-0 with a 2.98 ERA in nine starts since Zack Greinke was traded, while he also leads the majors in quality starts with 24. Milwaukee will be looking to win their 10th straight game with him on the mound.
Ryan Braun will look to continue his hot streak after hitting his 200th and 201st career home runs against the New York Mets on Sunday afternoon. Braun has seven hits, two homers, and three RBIs in his last four games. If the Brewers want to keep winning, they will need him to lead the charge.
Norichika Aoki is another player the Brewers need to keep playing well if they want to keep their playoff hopes alive. Aoki currently has a hit in his last seven games and is batting .297 with six RBIs over that span. He has been outstanding for Milwaukee this year and looks to be getting even better as the season progresses.
Michael is a MLB and NBA Featured Writer for Rant Sports, but covers topics for various teams in baseball, basketball, and football. Make sure to follow Michael on Twitter @MichaelTerrill and on Facebook.
