Reds vs. Brewers: Pitching preview, prediction, and more

The Reds and Brewers square off to close out the first half.

Oh, what could have been. Although it’s tough to be disappointed winning any series on the road, the Cincinnati Reds (45-41) were four outs away, with a five-run advantage, from sweeping their second consecutive series. Instead, the Redlegs had to settle for two of three from the Kansas City Royals following Tuesday night’s meltdown.

However, an opportunity to make the National Central Division race especially exciting awaits the Redlegs. Entering play tonight, Cincinnati trails the first-place Milwaukee Brewers by six games with their next seven games against the Beer Makers.

As the trade deadline approaches, the inevitable question around Reds Country is will the Reds be buyers or sellers? The next 10 days will go a long way toward answering that question. However, if the Reds can win four or five of the next seven versus Milwaukee, Bob Castellini and GM Nick Krall may be forced into a situation where they have to, gulp, spend money to strengthen the club for the home stretch.

I’m sure every Reds fan recalls the club’s last trip to Milwaukee. Less than a month ago, the Redlegs swept a three-game set at American Family Field. As a result, there should be no lack of confidence on the Reds’ part.

However, the Milwaukee Brewers (52-36) aren’t in first place by mistake. Even though Cincinnati is an impressive 18-12 over their past 30 games entering yesterday, the Brewers have been even better, sporting a sparkling 21-9 mark.

Despite the Reds’ success in Milwaukee, the Beer Makers are a sterling 26-18 at home this season. Cincinnati is the only team to sweep a series in Milwaukee this season. The Brewers have won six consecutive games at American Family Field following the Redlegs’ pummeling of the Beer Makers on their home turf.