Brewers Find Themselves on Losing Streak

Last week at this time, all was right in Brew City. We were on our way to a 6-1 record, and everyone was already fast forwarding to the playoffs. Well, at least I was. Even though we started hot, I constantly tried to remind myself that baseball is a long season, and that losing streaks will happen. Looks like the first one already has.

The Crew dropped their first game in their weekend series against the Mets, falling tonight by a score of 4-2. They had a few chances but couldn't put enough together to come away with the win. After staring out 6-1, the Brewers have now lost three straight.

Once again, this was a game much of Wisconsin wasn't able to watch, because for the second time this week, FSN Wisconsin was obligated to show a Bucks / Celtics game. But judging by the box score, it's easy to see what went wrong for Milwaukee tonight. It appears, especially with just two hits tonight, that the Brewers offense has become cold. Besides the anomaly that is Jason Kendall's .483 batting average, no Brewers starter is hitting better than .257. Weeks is down to .175, while Gabe Gross is batting .111. I'm still not sure why Gabe Gross is getting the majority of the starts in center with Cameron out and Gwynn hurt. Even if Ned is playing the percentages, Gabe Kapler has been swinging the better bat and should be getting more opportunites.

Manny Parra saw four innings on the mound tonight, pitching well until he gave up three runs. Despite his efforts, I still say he needs to be kept up even with Gallardo's impending return. Both Parra and Villanueva have proved themselves major league worthy during the first two weeks of the season, and have earned themselves the spots in the rotation. I've been saying since February I'd love to see Bush in long relief, so that leaves another favorite of mine Seth "Big Red" McClung as the odd man out. We'll see what Melvin and Yost actually decide on though in the next couple of days.

The Brewers have a chance to get back on track tomorrow, with the steller pitching matchup between Johan Santana and Ben Sheets. First pitch is at 12:05pm.

Box Score.

TBC's Player of the Game: Let's go with David Riske, for keeping the Brewers in the game, even though they couldn't forge the comback.