Reds outfielder Jake Fraley looks to handle Milwaukee's best as the Brewers visit Cincinnati

The race for 63 wins continues following the Cincinnati Reds (59-90) series split with the Boston Red Sox. After being eliminated from postseason play, the only real motivation the Redlegs have left is avoiding the embarrassing 100-loss threshold and the basement of the National League Central.

A difficult August has morphed into a frustrating September for Cincinnati. Following an encouraging 14-12 record in July, the Reds have stumbled to a 19-29 mark over the past two months. However, misery loves company and the Milwaukee Brewers (79-70) have been unlikely companions.

Since the calendar turned to August, Milwaukee has sported a surprisingly disappointing 22-25 record and find themselves in grave danger of missing the postseason for the first time since the 2017 season. However, the Philadelphia Phillies are doing everything possible to keep the Beer Makers playoff hopes alive.

While the Reds are eliminated, the Brewers still have their eyes on the playoffs.

Yesterday's victory over the New York Mets, coupled with the Phils' come-from-behind win over the Toronto Blue Jays, have brought the Brewers within 2.5 games of the third and final Wild Card slot in the National League Needless to say, Milwaukee will be playing for their postseason lives this weekend at Great American Ball Park.

If the Brew Crew is able to extend their playoff run to five consecutive campaigns, they'll have to rely heavily on their vaunted bullpen. Entering play yesterday, their 49 team saves trailed only the Atlanta Braves in the senior circuit.

Despite the deal at the trade deadline that sent closer Josh Hader to the San Diego Padres, former setup man Devin Williams has more than filled the vacancy. The right-hander has been phenomenal out of the Milwaukee bullpen compiling 13 saves with an incredible 86 punch outs in only 56.1 innings.

For the fifth time in the last six seasons, the Brewers have already clinched the series season against the Reds by winning 10 of the first 15 contests. However, the Reds have taken three of the last five games between the two clubs.