Derek Lowe is apparently turning into a strikeout pitcher. Utilizing his slider to full effect, Lowe has five strikeouts in four innings. However, the Brewers lead through four, 1-0.
Of Lowe's five strikeouts, four have come on sliders, including twice to Rickie Weeks. Lowe allowed his first hit to Yovani Gallardo in the third, followed by a single to Nyjer Morgan that put two on with two outs. Ryan Braun followed with a hard hit ball that deflected off Chipper Jones' glove, resulting in a hit and run. Braun's single has been the only hard hit ball off Lowe so far.
Gallardo has held the Braves to just one hit through four innings - a single to Nate McLouth in the first inning that was erased by a Chipper double play. He set the Braves down in order through three innings. Martin Prado walked to lead off the fourth but was erased by another double play, this time by McLouth.
Gallardo has induced eight groundouts to one flyout, yet he hasn't struck out a batter. Lowe has yet to allow a fly ball out.