Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports
It has been 10 years since the Milwaukee Brewers won 10 straight games. After winning their ninth consecutive contest Tuesday night by defeating the San Diego Padres 6-3, it is now up to starting pitcher Marco Estrada to help the team get into double digits.
Estrada has tossed three consecutive quality starts, two of which he won the decision. The 29-year-old has found out that he has much more success when he works quickly rather than when he is trying to rack up the strikeouts. However, by following that recipe he has been able to record 25 strikeouts, the most on the team.
“I’m not trying to strike people out. I’m just trying to get ahead and stay ahead,” Estrada told Brewers.com. “I’d rather have the quick outs than the four- or five-pitch at-bats. My first rule is if I can get the guy out on one pitch, then that’s the main goal.”
The right-hander has only made one appearance at PETCO Park in his five-year career. He allowed one earned run on three hits in 1 2/3 innings in a Brewers loss.
The good news is that PETCO Park is a hitter’s ball park, and considering Estrada is a pitcher who gets fly balls, he should have plenty of success in Wednesday night’s series finale. With that being said, it is a large ball park where hits can easily find their way into the gaps. Estrada has already allowed 28 hits in 24 innings this season so he must be very careful when facing San Diego’s top batters.
Hopefully, Milwaukee’s offense will be able to get out to another fast start and give Estrada some early run support. The Brewers have scored 17 runs in the first inning this season while only allowing three. It is critical that the hitters jump on Edinson Volquez early if Milwaukee wants to record their third straight sweep.
Michael Terrill is a Senior Writer for Rant Sports. Follow him on Twitter @MichaelTerrill, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google.
