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We expected that Ryan Ludwick would require extra time to get into a midseason groove after missing several months due to a torn labrum. We didn't expect the rest of the Reds offense to be completely anemic upon his return. On Saturday, the Reds made Yovani Gallardo, a pitcher who this season has looked like Jimmy Haynes and who, against the Reds in his career has looked like Jimmy Anderson, look like Jimmy Palmer. All the while, the Reds' opportunities to make up ground in the NL Central decreases by one each day.
The Reds look to salvage a split series this afternoon in Milwaukee and will use the talents of Homer Bailey in hopes of doing so. Homer's performance against the Brewers this season has been . . . um . . . well . . . let's just say it matches the Reds' offensive performance yesterday. Homer has hurled two starts against the Brewers and they have resulted in ten runs in 12.2 innings. So, yeah, Homer is going to need to change his approach from his two previous starts.
The Brewers will counter with Wily Peralta. Peralta, although coming up twice as a hard luck loser, has pitched well against the Reds with an ERA of 3.10. In his three starts he has held the Reds to a .680 OPS as a team this season. The Reds have truly yet to figure this pitcher out, and with a Sunday getaway day lineup, it appears this trend will continue. That being said, since logic dictates the Reds will struggle offensively and defensively in this game, they will probably win 11-0. Go Reds!