These 2021 postseason clubs are hoping to return this year after missing out in 2022. When the Milwaukee Brewers (18-14) and San Francisco Giants (14-17) clash on Sunday to wrap up their series, one side will add a much-needed win toward that goal. A few weeks later, they will do it again in Wisconsin. That's not important now though, as a 4:05 p.m. first pitch from Oracle Park will test both sides to punctuate a fun weekend. San Francisco will surely hope it unfolds similarly to Friday night's contest.
Flo fly pic.twitter.com/M8RHbaOMxz
— SFGiants (@SFGiants) May 6, 2023
A dream start to season Milwaukee's season at 18-9 has given way to a five-game losing streak, pending Saturday's results which could make it six. The only team ahead of them in the NL Central is also on a losing streak, but the Brewers haven't been able to capitalize. Milwaukee began a road trip on Tuesday and lost the last four. Their pitching staff, which is still seventh in ERA, gave up 22 runs between the three games from Wednesday to Friday. Even with a 3.64 ERA, Milwaukee's relievers are bottom-10 in WAR and FIP this season. The league's best left-on-base percentage is saving the bullpen. All of the Brewers pitchers are struggling to get punch outs, leading to a strikeout rate that's 26th in the majors. Milwaukee hasn't announced a starter for this game yet, but whoever gets the call needs to step up and stem the bleeding.
Milwaukee's offense slept through the first three games o f the five-game skid, but the Brewers bats put up 10 runs over the two latest losses. The Brewers have balanced the sixth-worst strikeout rate with the seventh-best walk rate this season. They've got decent pop, mostly through Rowdy Tellez, but aren't nearly as prolific at hitting homers as last season. The offense is pretty middle-of-the-road, both in run production and slash line.
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