Capsules of other Division Series
D-BACKS VS. BREWERS (BEST OF 5)
Game 1: Tomorrow, Arizona (Kennedy 21-4) at Milwaukee (Gallardo 17-10), 2:07 p.m.
Game 2: Sunday, Arizona (Hudson 16-12) at Milwaukee (Marcum 13-7), 4:37 p.m.
Game 3: Tuesday, Milwaukee (TBD) at Arizona (Greinke 16-6), TBA
Game 4: Wednesday, Milwaukee at Arizona, if necessary, TBA
Game 5: Friday, Oct. 7, Arizona at Milwaukee, if necessary, TBA
History: This marks the first time the two teams have met in the postseason.
This season: The Diamondbacks won the first series, 2-1, in Milwaukee, and the teams split four games in Arizona. All seven meetings were in July.
About the Brewers: This is the Brewers' first appearance in the playoffs since the 2008 NLDS, when they fell in four games to the eventual World Series champion Phillies. After two lackluster years, Milwaukee has returned to form this season behind big-time sluggers Ryan Braun and Prince Fielder. Braun has 33 homers, 111 RBI and a .332 batting average. Not to be outdone, Fielder has 38 home runs and 120 RBI. In addition to a tough lineup that's batting .261, Milwaukee has an outstanding young pitching staff led by Yovani Gallardo, who had 207 strikeouts and a 3.52 ERA.
About the Diamondbacks: Although the Diamondbacks do not boast the same statistical firepower as Milwaukee, they are still a well-rounded team. This is Arizona's first postseason appearance since 2007. Righthander Ian Kennedy has been lights-out in leading a solid pitching staff that finished with a 3.80 ERA. Kennedy is a Cy Young candidate after going 21-4 with a 2.88 ERA. Rightfielder Justin Upton anchors a shaky lineup with 31 home runs and 88 RBI, and catcher Miguel Montero is the only other Diamondback with at least 80 RBI this season.
Fun fact: The Brewers have been dominant at home, going 57-24 at Miller Park. Meanwhile, the Diamondbacks went just 43-38 on the road, so homefield advantage for Milwaukee could prove deadly.
What to look for: The Diamondbacks' bullpen had a great season, but will need to be better than ever to shut down a Brewers lineup that has been flat-out nasty in late-game situations.
HOW WE SEE IT: Brewers in 3 (Bill Conlin, Rich Hofmann, David Murphy); Brewers in 4 (John Smallwood), Brewers in 5 (Sam Donnellon, Paul Hagen); Diamondbacks in 4 (Marcus Hayes).
- Jeff Janiczek
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RAYS VS. RANGERS (BEST OF 5)
Schedule (Best-of-5)
Game 1: Today, Tampa Bay (Niemann 11-7) at Texas (C.J. Wilson 16-7), 5:07 p.m.
