Cliff Lee (16-7, 2.47) is scary good, but also plain scary. As a hitter, I don't know how you prepare to face a pitcher who has only given up two earned runs in his last six starts, and won his last seven. On television, it looks like a man is throwing a baseball, but standing at the plate, he must seem like a god hurling bolts of lightning.
So far, the Brewers have had trouble putting runs on the board this series to begin with. Save for two late scores in the ninth last night, Milwaukee previously had only managed three runs through the first 17 innings. It doesn't appear things will get any easier for them tonight.
Cliff's last appearance against the Brewers came back in April 20 at Citizens Bank Park, before he had a June and an August where he allowed a combined three earned runs. He went six innings, holding Milwaukee to three runs to earn a no decision in a 4-3 victory. Prince Fielder went 3-for-3 with a pair of RBIs, while catcher Jon Lucroy bashed a solo homer.
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He struggled in his only other career start versus Milwaukee, getting hurt for seven earned over six innings on September 25, 2009. It was Fielder again, this time going 2-for-3 with four RBIs, including a three-run blast.
Meanwhile, you may be familiar with the man on the hill for the home team. Randy Wolf (12-9, 3.47) is having yet another quietly solid season, his 13th in Major League Baseball. He made himself right at home in the April series in Philly, shutting down the Fightins for six frames and picking up a W in a 9-0 romp.
In six career regular season starts against his former mates, Wolf is 3-2 with a 4.25 ERA. He usually brings it against the Phils.