There's a buzz in the air as the Milwaukee Brewers, riding high after winning five of their last seven games, roll into St. Louis to face the Cardinals for the first time since last fall. This three-game series promises to reignite a rivalry that ended in a dead-even 12-game split last season.
Taking the mound for the Brewers tonight is right-hander Chad Patrick, making his fifth start of the year. Patrick has been a versatile weapon for Milwaukee, used in various roles this season, but he's settled in nicely with a sharp 2.57 ERA over six appearances. He's struck out 16 batters so far, though walks (13) remain a small concern. Cardinals fans might remember Patrick from last year, when he faced St. Louis twice, each time lasting 4 1/3 innings with nearly identical results.
Opposing him is St. Louis righty Kyle Leahy, who's making his seventh start of the season. It's been a rocky road for Leahy, who has allowed at least two runs in every outing and three or more in his last three. His record sits at 3-3 with a 5.52 ERA over 29 1/3 innings, and he'll be looking to turn things around against a Brewers lineup that's about to get a major boost.
The last 24 hours have been a whirlwind of speculation for Brewers fans. Yesterday, top prospect Cooper Pratt was a late scratch from Triple-A Nashville's game, sparking hopes of a big-league debut. But those dreams will have to wait—Pratt wasn't included in today's roster moves. Instead, the Brewers are welcoming back two proven bats: Jackson Chourio and Andrew Vaughn have both been reinstated from the 10-day injured list. To make room, outfielder Blake Perkins has been optioned to Nashville, and outfielder Greg Jones has been designated for assignment.
Vaughn, who last played on Opening Day against the Chicago White Sox, drove in a run on one hit before landing on the IL. Chourio, meanwhile, turned heads with a strong spring, going 8-for-30 with a double, a home run, and three RBIs. He also represented Venezuela in the World Baseball Classic, though he struggled to a 3-for-15 line. After a scary moment in his final rehab game, both players have been cleared to return, and their presence should inject some serious pop into the Brewers' order.
With the Brewers' big boppers back and the Cardinals looking to defend home turf, tonight's game has all the makings of a classic. Whether you're cheering from the stands or watching from home, this is the kind of matchup that makes baseball in May feel like October.