Cincinnati Reds vs. Milwaukee Brewers Series Preview, Predictions

The Cincinnati Reds host the Milwaukee Brewers this weekend at the Great American Ball Park for a huge series. Milwaukee currently leads the NL Central Division by four games, but the Reds can close the gap this weekend.

The Brewers went on a big run during the month of June to take control of the Central Division. Milwaukee has gone 26-18 away from home this season, and they won’t be afraid of taking on the Reds in Cincinnati.

Cincinnati won the final three games before the All-Star Break to close the gap from seven games to just four. The Reds have now improved their season record to 48-42 and are in second place in the NL Central.

The St. Louis Cardinals and Chicago Cubs are both eight games out of first, and this is shaping up into a two-team divisional race.

Brewers Have Some Arms

The Milwaukee Brewers have an impressive pitching staff full of some big arms, and that is why they are in first place. The Reds could be catching a break in this series as Milwaukee might be without some top starters due to their participation in the All-Star Game.

Milwaukee has racked up 43 quality starts this season, which is the third-most in baseball. The Brewers also have a solid bullpen, and they are tough to catch if they get out to an early lead.

Christian Yelich is starting to heat up for Milwaukee, and that has helped the Brewers take control of the division. Avisail Garcia leads the team with 16 home runs and 55 RBIs, but the Brewers have some other offensive weapons as well.

Reds Have Some Pop

If the Reds are going to win this series, then they are going to have to do it at the plate. Cincinnati continues to put up some impressive offensive numbers, and they love playing long ball at the GABP.

Nick Castellanos is hitting .331 with 59 RBIs, and he continues to lead this team on offense. Jesse Winker has been in a bit of an offensive slump of late, but he could break out of it at any time.

Tyler Mahle has turned into the ace of the Reds, and he makes the start on Friday night. There are still some questions on this staff, but Mahle can get the Reds a series-opening win.

Time to Make a Run

By winning three straight games against the Brewers to close out the first half, Cincinnati now has a chance to do some real damage. This weekend is the perfect time for the Reds to make some noise and tighten up the NL Central race.

The Reds should actually have the starting pitching edge in the series opener, and that could allow them to get off to a big start. Milwaukee is in first place in the division for a reason, but the Reds are good enough to make this a race.

It won’t be easy, but the Reds offense should be able to deliver some big wins this weekend.