MILWAUKEE - Cameron Rupp lowered his right hand and signaled for a fastball in the most crucial moment of an 8-5 Phillies loss to the Brewers. Jerad Eickhoff did not flinch. He stared at his catcher for three seconds to express his disapproval. Rupp flashed a new call.
The curveball.
"If I get beat on my curveball," Eickhoff said later, "I'll live with it."
On Sunday, he was beaten again and again on the curveball. Eickhoff allowed a career-high seven runs. Ten Brewers batted in the decisive six-run sixth inning. Eickhoff's best weapon wilted as hard-hit balls sprinkled Miller Park.