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

The Reds and Brewers meet for the final time in the 2021 season.

How we looking, Reds Country? Following a potentially disastrous series loss to a terrible Chicago Cubs squad, the Cincinnati Reds (69-57) rebounded by sweeping a four-game set from the Miami Marlins to salvage the homestand with a 5-2 record last week.

As a result, with some help from the Colorado Rockies and Philadelphia Phillies, Cincinnati has vaulted into the second and final Wild Card spot in the National League with a one-game advantage over the San Diego Padres. Can the Reds possibly hold off the Friars and play meaningful baseball in October?

Experts around the league like the Redlegs’ chances. Fangraphs gives the Reds a 63.8% chance of making the postseason, while Baseball-Reference is even more bullish on Cincinnati. They give the Redlegs 74.1% odds of making the playoffs. So it’s okay to get excited Reds Country.

However, this week, another challenge awaits the Reds as they charge into American Family Field for a final 2021 showdown with the NL Central-leading Milwaukee Brewers. The Beer Makers (76-49) hold a 7.5 game advantage over Cincinnati in the division, and this is the Reds’ last realistic chance to make a play for the division crown.

It’s no secret why the two teams occupy the top spots in the NL Central. Both have obliterated their division rivals. Cincinnati is a staggering 35-20 versus division foes, while the Brewers are even better with a 40-20 mark.

The two clubs have split their first 16 contests this year, and they’ve done it in unconventional fashion. Milwaukee is 7-2 at Great American Ball Park, while the Reds have returned the favor by winning six of seven on the Brewers’ home turf.