Two in a row tough for Brew to swallow

Diamondbacks 7, Brewers 3
W: Duke (2-3) L: Wolf (6-6) SV: Hernandez

The night was filled with "firsts" at Miller Park.

It was Arizona's starting pitcher Zach Duke's first victory at Miller Park, but more troubling it was Milwaukee's first back-to-back loss at home this season. Most teams would be thrilled to have their first consecutive losses on their home turf come this late in the season. Unfortunately for the Brewers, it is the circumstances that surround the defeats that are troubling.

Randy Wolf can not blame this debacle on a lack of run support. The Brewers were already down four runs before they even stepped to the plate. Wolf allowed a season high seven earned runs on ten hits in six innings pitched. The Diamondbacks were on him early and did not let up.

Over the past week the Brewers either pitched well or had a prolific offense. It was never together, but at least one was accomplished. Tonight both imploded and it was not a sight to be seen. I understand that Prince Fielder and Corey Hart both homered, but that is nothing unusual. Home runs have always seemed easy for the Brewers to come by. However, a couple of them are not a substitute for offense, at least not when Milwaukee pitches the way they have as of late.

The Brewers have now lost seven of their last eight games. It has gone from troubling to agonizing. A minor setback has now become a major slump.

I realize that all teams have slumps throughout the season and many fans may think this is nothing to be overly concerned about. Let me share some important knowledge with you. Prior to the Yankee's series one week ago, the Brewer's had a three game lead in first place. It was their first three or more game lead in first place since 2007. One week later Milwaukee is in third place, two games behind the first place Cardinals. What took the Brewers three months to accomplish, they lost in one week. Who knows, if the Brewers continue this for one more week they could be out of the pennant race. That is how flimsy baseball standings are, especially when teams reach the top.

Milwaukee can still salvage the predicament they are in. Yovani Gallardo must beat the Diamondbacks tomorrow in the series finale and the Brewers must bring it hard against the Reds for their four-game series this weekend.