Starter Report: RHP Mike Leake vs. RHP Kyle Lohse

Cincinnati Reds (51-49) vs. Milwaukee Brewers (56-45)

 
RHP Mike Leake (7-8, 3.63 ERA, 1.25 WHIP, .267 OAV) vs. RHP Kyle Lohse (10-4, 3.16 ERA, 1.10 WHIP, .245 OAV)

 
Wednesday, July 23, 2014: 2:10 p.m. at Miller Park

Facing the divisional foe Brewers for the third time this year, Leake has picked up both a win and a loss in his two starts. Curiously enough, his loss came after pitching eight innings in which he allowed only two runs. His win came from pitching five innings, allowing nine hits and four runs. The difference being on June 15, the Reds offense exploded for 13 runs, allowing Leake to cruise to victory.

 
While Leake has never lost at Miller Park, that seems to be more of a bit of luck, considering in his five starts in Wisconsin, his ERA sits at a gaudy 4.99.

 
Where Leake has gotten into trouble in his career is after the front three innings. His ERA jumps from the mid-threes to over four for each inning 4-7. The second time through the batting order is going to be crucial for Leake, who is looking to help stop the Reds’ five-game skid.

 
Here is the lineup he will be facing via the Brewers’ Twitter account:

 
CF – Carlos Gomez (4-for-12, 1 2B, 1 RBI)
C – Jonathan Lucroy (7-for-20, 1 HR, 2 RBI)
RF – Ryan Braun (1-for-9, 1 HR, 2 RBI)
3B – Aramis Ramirez (4-for-30, 4 K’s)
2B – Rickie Weeks (5-for-12, 2 HR, 3 RBI)
LF – Khris Davis (3-for-8, 2 RBI)
1B – Mark Reynolds (2-for-5, 2 K’s)
SS – Jean Segura (2-for-12, 1 3B)
P – Kyle Lohse (0-for-3)

Each time Lohse has taken the mound against Cincinnati in 2014, the Redlegs have come out on top. It was not too long ago Lohse took the mound at Great American Ball Park, as he picked up a loss on the Fourth of July.

 
This will be the first time this year Lohse matches up with the Reds at his home field of Miller Park. At home, Lohse is 3-2 with a 2.43 ERA with just four walks in comparison to a whopping 47 strikeouts. In addition to that, his BABIP is a stout .255. In the case of Billy Hamilton, Lohse is yet to allow a stolen base at home this season.

 
For his career, Lohse has his second lowest ERA in at least 11 starts against the Reds. The former Red himself is especially stingy, with his ERA barely creeping over three.

 
Here is the lineup he will face the Reds’ Twitter account:

 
CF – Billy Hamilton (1-for-3, 1 HR, 2 RBI)
3B – Todd Frazier (2-for-15, 1 2B, 1 RBI)
1B – Brayan Pena (2-for-7, 1 HR, 1 RBI)
LF – Ryan Ludwick (4-for-31, 8 K’s)
RF – Jay Bruce (10-for-37, 3 2B, 1 HR, 6 RBI, 7 K’s)
C – Devin Mesoraco (4-for-15, 1 2B, 1 RBI)
2B – Skip Schumaker (3-for-12, 2 2B, 3 RBI)
SS – Ramon Santiago (3-for-13, 1 2B, 1 RBI)
P – Mike Leake (1-for-4)

Normally, getaway day before an off day can serve as an afternoon of relaxation. For this Reds club, with an already four and a half game deficit with three teams to jump in front of them, each contest that remains on the schedule is going to be hard fought. The Redlegs must win Wednesday afternoon to avoid their third consecutive sweep on the road.