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Rays-Brewers preview

 
Published July 28, 2014

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vs. Brewers

Tonight-Wednesday

What's new: The Brewers have led the NL Central every day since April 5 thanks to a solid offense. They are second in the league in runs (464) and home runs (108). C Jonathan Lucroy is sixth in the league with a .310 batting average and leads the NL with a .349 average on the road. Ryan Braun is averaging an RBI every 5.5 at-bats, tops in the league. Francisco Rodriguez has closed out 30 of his 34 save opportunities and is third in the NL in saves. Milwaukee is 9-6 in interleague games this year.

Key stat: After winning 11 of 15 road games in June, the Brewers are 2-6 away from Milwaukee this month. They've been outscored 34-21 on the road in July.

Connections: Joe Maddon and Milwaukee manager Ron Roenicke coached together with the Angels. Rays RHP Grant Balfour played briefly with Milwaukee in 2007. Jake Odorizzi was the Brewers' minor-league pitcher of the year in 2010. Milwaukee RHP Matt Garza is a former Ray.

Series history: Rays lead 4-2 overall and 2-1 at Tropicana Field.

Matt Baker, Times staff writer