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Arroyo aims to bounce back versus Brewers

Sep 15, 2013 - 1:33 PM (Sports Network) - A tough-luck loser last time out, Bronson Arroyo hopes for better luck on Sunday afternoon as he takes the mound for the Cincinnati Reds in the finale of a three-game set with the Milwaukee Brewers.

Arroyo has given up four earned runs total over consecutive seven-inning outings, but has a loss and a no-decision in that time. He was on the wrong end of a 2-0 setback versus the Chicago Cubs on Monday, giving up a pair of solo homers over his outing while striking out six.

The right-hander did not issue a walk in the setback and has walked only one batter over his last seven starts, spanning 44 1/3 innings.

Arroyo, 36, is 13-11 with a 3.58 ERA in 29 starts this season, going 2-0 with a 2.11 ERA in three outings versus the Brewers.

It has been nothing but good luck for Yovani Gallardo since his last loss on July 25 and he tries to win a fourth straight decision today for the Brewers.

The right-hander has a 1.89 ERA over his last six outings and is coming off a 3-1 win over the Cubs last Sunday. Gallardo was charged with one run on just three hits and a walk, striking out six in seven innings.

"His command was really good," Brewers manager Ron Roenicke said of Gallardo. "He's had his good command for quite a few starts."

Gallardo improved to 11-9 in 27 starts, though he still has a 4.18 ERA, which would be a career high if the season ended today. However, the 27-year-old is 2-1 with a solid 2.01 ERA in four starts against the Reds this year.

Having lost three of their previous four, the Reds picked up a much-needed win on Saturday. The 7-3 triumph, coupled with a loss by Washington, gave them a 5 1/2-game lead over the Nationals for the NL's second wild card spot.

Shin-Soo Choo and Joey Votto both homered and drove in three runs for the Reds, while Homer Bailey worked around a three-run fourth inning to log seven frames and stay unbeaten in his last nine outings.

"Homer was good today, he struggled and struggled quite a bit in the game but made pitches when he had to and made plays to get out of jams," said Reds manager Dusty Baker.

Carlos Gomez had two hits and drove in a run for the Brewers, who had won Friday's opener for their seventh victory in their past 11 over the Reds. They are 5-4 at Miller Park this season against Cincinnati.

Rookie starter Johnny Hellweg gave up four runs on eight hits over five innings.

"The first two innings toughened him," said Roenicke about Hellweg, who finished his outing with three scoreless frames.