Cincinnati Reds (54-71) At Milwaukee Brewers (61-65), 2:05 P.m.
(Sports Network) - Journeyman right-hander Justin Lehr can pitch the Cincinnati Reds to a road sweep today when they visit Miller Park for the finale of a three-game midweek series with the Milwaukee Brewers. The Reds won 4-3 on Wednesday when pinch-hitter Darnell McDonald doubled in the go-ahead run in the 10th inning after Brewers left fielder Ryan Braun misplayed the ball. Laynce Nix homered for the Reds, who have won three straight games for the first time since a four-game run from May 24-27. Lehr, who turned 32 earlier this month, was a 1999 draft pick of the Oakland Athletics and made 66 big-league relief appearances through 2008 before making his starting debut with the Reds on July 31. He got a no-decision against Colorado in that outing, then proceeded to defeat the Chicago Cubs and St. Louis Cardinals in consecutive starts while giving up four runs in 12 combined innings. Two subsequent efforts have resulted in a no-decision and a loss, however, in which he's given up 14 hits and nine runs in 11 innings while facing Washington and Pittsburgh. Lehr, who has never faced the Brewers, is 1-1 in two road starts with a 5.73 earned run average in 11 innings. Right-hander Dave Bush gets the call for Milwaukee in his first appearance since an extended stay on the disabled list with arm fatigue. A 29-year-old native of Pittsburgh, Bush won his first three decisions through May 19 this season before going 0-4 and allowing three runs or more in six straight starts, including a June 20 loss at Detroit. He was placed on the 15-day DL the next day and has not pitched in the majors since. Right-hander Mike Burns, who took the loss Wednesday, is expected to be sent down to make room for Bush's return. Bush is 2-3 in 11 career starts against the Reds, including a no-decision against them on May 30, in which he allowed seven hits and five runs in four innings of a game Milwaukee won, 9-5. On Wednesday, Prince Fielder hit a two-run homer and Jody Gerut also homered for the Brewers in the second portion of the three-game series. Milwaukee, which committed three errors, lost for the seventh time in 10 games. Braun had three hits. Cincinnati starter Kip Wells lasted five innings, as he allowed seven hits and three runs. Milwaukee's Braden Looper was charged with five hits and a pair of runs in six frames. These two clubs have now split 14 meetings this year.
Copyright 2009 Courtesy of The Sports Network.









