It’s ok if we all want to collectively forget about Game 2. Although in my Game 2 preview, I did mention that Freddy had some obstacles to overcome. The past does often predict the future if there’s enough of a sample size. Arenado and Goldschmidt proved that. Onward and upward. It’s game 3 as the Brewers invite the Cardinals to American Family Field and there’s a new set of variables.
It’s Adrian Houser vs. Steven Matz, a battle of righty vs. lefty, and that may come at the perfect time in this series for the Brewers.
Houser vs. Cardinals
As a whole, St. Louis does have respectable numbers vs. Adrian Houser, but it’s feast or famine when you look at the top of the lineup compared to the bottom. The usual suspects have solid numbers, including Paul Goldschmidt. There’s not a player in Major League Baseball who has more plate appearances against Adrian Houser than Goldschmidt. His 21 appearances leads them all. His .286 average and .919 OPS are causes for concern.
Yadi Molina, though not thought of as an offensive minded catcher, has enjoyed a good amount of success as well, batting nearly .300 and slugging .529. Neither Molina nor Goldschmidt have strikeout percentages higher than 15%. Expect them to put the ball in play, for better or worse.
The player who gives me the absolute dread to see him come to the plate…..Dylan Carlson. In his 11 attempts, he’s already accumulated 4 hits, 1 double, 1 triple, and a 9% strikeout rate. He’s a mere HR away from hitting for the cycle against Houser. He should lead off the game if St. Louis management is doing their homework. As we’re updated with lineups, this could change by first pitch.
Brewers vs. Steven Matz
Once again, the Brewers go into a game with minimal experience against the opposing pitcher. In 57 accumulated at-bats, the Crew shows a respectable .263 batting average against LHP Steven Matz, however only a .333 SLG. In those 57 ABs, only 2 have gone for extra bases, a Lorenzo Cain HR and a Hunter Renfroe double.
We know Christian Yelich has struggled vs. LHP, however, even with the most plate appearances on the team against LHP Matz, he has shown decent production, with a .278 average and only a 6% strikeout rate. Yelich has a plate setter’s production against Matz, but it’s better than nothing. I do feel he’ll be batting 3rd in the lineup, as he has all season, but at least this would set up Renfroe and McCutchen, the real weapons vs. LHP.
Split at First
No matter who is starting at 1B, it will be a first time meeting with SP Matz. Neither LHB Rowdy Tellez nor RHB Keston Hiura have plate appearances on the ledger. As Hiura rested Friday, one may suspect he starts in game 3.
A consisten gripe from me is that manager Craig Counsell seems to ignore splits in favor of opposite hand matchups. You don’t have to look very far to see that Tellez, the lefty, has substantial batter splits vs. LHP, as does Hiura, a righty, against RHP. Why Counsell doesn’t line them up accordingly, I don’t know. I would like to see a run of same side hitter lineups for the aforementioned players, as well as Jace Peterson, who also enjoys a same side split.
Check back before the main slate of games for today’s MLB K Prop of the Day
About the Author
Billy Graves is the host of the Hit City Podcast, covering the Milwaukee Brewers and MiLB affiliates. You can also find him on the Slashers & Screamers podcast, reviewing your favorite horror films from years past and present, and on the Monday morning show Wake Up! with Wowie & The Kid. Find out more at SlasherSports.com!
Slasher Drip
Get your Slasher Sports swag and show everyone you’re here to KILL the game! As always, choke up on the bat……..and stay alive!
