Monday, April 17
Brian Moehler, RHP (0-2, 13.50) @ Brandon Claussen, LHP (0-1, 5.40)
Scouting Report:
Solid in his last outing, Vargas evened his record by tossing six innings of two-run ball. The left-hander was on the winning end against the Padres, logging 100 pitches. While he issued five walks, Vargas was able to battle out of trouble. Of late, he had struggled with location on his pitches. The victory was his first since he tossed a complete-game against the Dodgers last Aug. 21. In 2005, Vargas faced the Reds once, collecting a win after giving up one run in 6 1/3 innings.
Through his first two starts this season, Milton appears to be much improved from the pitcher who went 8-15 with a 6.47 ERA last season. In Thursday's 8-3 win over the Cubs at Wrigley Field, the lefty threw 6 2/3 innings and allowed three runs (two earned) with two walks and five strikeouts. While better at keeping the ball down thus far, he has gradually increased his velocity and improved leg strength to finish his pitches.
Tuesday, April 18
Jason Vargas, LHP (1-1, 5.73) @ Eric Milton, LHP (2-0, 2.63)
Scouting Report:
Solid in his last outing, Vargas evened his record by tossing six innings of two-run ball. The left-hander was on the winning end against the Padres, logging 100 pitches. While he issued five walks, Vargas was able to battle out of trouble. Of late, he had struggled with location on his pitches. The victory was his first since he tossed a complete-game against the Dodgers last Aug. 21. In 2005, Vargas faced the Reds once, collecting a win after giving up one run in 6 1/3 innings.
Through his first two starts this season, Milton appears to be much improved from the pitcher who went 8-15 with a 6.47 ERA last season. In Thursday's 8-3 win over the Cubs at Wrigley Field, the lefty threw 6 2/3 innings and allowed three runs (two earned) with two walks and five strikeouts. While better at keeping the ball down thus far, he has gradually increased his velocity and improved leg strength to finish his pitches.
Wednesday, April 19
Dontrelle Willis, LHP (1-0, 1.93) @ Aaron Harang, RHP (2-1, 5.30)
Scouting Report:
April remains a strong month for the D-Train, who improved to 9-0 in the month for his career after he logged a victory last Friday night against the Nationals. Although he battled for 5 2/3 innings, throwing 113 pitches, the left-hander was able to work out of jams. Willis had enjoyed two strong outings with no decisions, and he had three straight no-decisions dating back to last year, when he won an MLB-high 22 games.
Harang will have to work hard to top his last outing. He was masterful against the Cardinals with seven shutout innings. He allowed just four hits and one walk while fanning four. Harang hung an 0-for-9 on the Cardinals' celebrated trio of Albert Pujols, Jim Edmonds and Scott Rolen in the middle of the lineup.