Matchup for G17 - Brewers @ Astros

The Astros come in off their first home series win of the season, but the Brewers have won three of their last four games, as well. Two relatively unknown quantities - in that Paulino and Gallardo either did not pitch, or barely pitched in 2008 square off in the final three games of a 10-game homestand, in which the Astros are 3-4.

Felipe Paulino

Paulino comes in for his second of what looks to be three starts before Brian Moehler comes off the DL. What happened last start? Total domination until the bullpen came in the game and killed it. Versus the Reds last Sunday?

6IP, 3H, 0ER, 6K:2BB, 1HBP, 1WP, 7GB/7FB, 20ABs:1XBH

First-pitch strikes: 12 (.250/.250/.333)
First-pitch balls: 10 (.000/.200/.000)

Yovani Gallardo

Gallardo was one of those Keys to 2008 for the Brewers, pitch in three games in April/May, and was out until September 25. Amazingly enough, with the exception of the September game, Gallardo threw all quality starts, and was on his way to a 4th when he was lifted due to a strict pitch count, in which he only threw 67 pitches. So we have two unknown quantities going at each other.

And based on this season's appearances, we still don't know what to expect. Here are his three starts to date:

@SFG	6.2IP	6H/2ER	6K:2BB	12GB/8FB
vCIN	5IP	3H/7ER	3K:4BB	5GB/9FB
@NYM	6IP	5H/0ER	7K:2BB	7GB/8FB

So who knows? Of 306 total pitches, he's thrown 189 strikes, 62 of them swinging.

First-pitch strikes: 30 (.107/.167/.250)
First-pitch balls: 39 (.167/.667/.167)