Brewers vs. Diamondbacks: Yovani Gallardo Gives Brew Crew More Than Just 1 Game

On the surface, a road team losing Game 1 of a series isn't the end of the world. Sure, Arizona needs one win in Milwaukee, but they weren't planning on a sweep. As long as the Diamondbacks win their two home games, they will have two more opportunities to win a game in Milwaukee.

But there is one little problem with that theory.

The Diamondbacks needed this game. Ian Kennedy had to win.

Obviously, they can still go on and win the series, but the fact that their 21-game winner lost doesn't bode well for the rest of the series.

Had the Diamondbacks won this game, the pitching matchups would be much better. But now, assuming nobody gets moved up in the rotation, they will need Daniel Hudson to beat Zack Greinke, and Josh Collmenter to beat Shaun Marcum.

I could certainly see either one of those happening, but I don't like the chances of both happening. I also don't like Joe Saunders in a must-win situation in Game 4. He's not a bad pitcher, but Milwaukee's bats are going to give him trouble.

Assuming Arizona can win two of the next three, they will still need Kennedy to come back and beat Gallardo in a Game 5 in Milwaukee. Considering that Gallardo just won that matchup rather decisively, I don't like Arizona's odds in that situation.

Losing today just hurt the Diamondbacks. It's not just one game. It gave them an uphill climb that includes a one-game deficit, and also several unfavorable pitching matchups.

It has been a long time since Milwaukee has won a playoff series. The last time that happened was in 1982 when the Angels in the ALCS. Yes, that was when they were still an American League team.

With a win today, they took a big step in winning that elusive series. Mind you, there is still a long way to go. Arizona did outpitch the Giants' vaunted staff down the stretch.

But the Giants don't have anywhere near the hitters that the Brewers do. Milwaukee has a fine pitching staff, a good offense, and a great home field advantage. They showed all three of those off today. It's quite likely that today's game gave us a preview of the rest of the series.