Milwaukee @ Cincinnati preview
Great American Ball Park
Last Meeting ( Mar 17, 2010 ) Milwaukee 5, Cincinnati 2
The residents of the Queen City are now kings of the NL Central.
Yes, you read that right. The Cincinnati Reds (21-16), who haven't enjoyed a winning season since Bill Clinton occupied the White House in 2000, are riding high atop the division.
Their ascent to the top marks the deepest into a season that the perpetually struggling Redlegs have occupied first place since June 8, 2006.
Now, after taking two of three games from the suddenly slumping St. Louis Cardinals, the first-place Reds will set their sights on another skidding division rival - the Milwaukee Brewers (15-22). The teams will meet for an abbreviated two-game series, which starts on Monday at the Great American Ball Park.
Winners of seven of their last eight, the Reds have posted a league-best 14-5 mark since April 25. Yes, that's a better record than the defending World Series champion New York Yankees and offensive powerhouses like the Tampa Bay Rays and Philadelphia Phillies.
So, what's the secret to Cincinnati's success? Well, impeccable defense comes readily to mind. The Reds have not committed an error in their last 11 contests and lead the National League in fielding percentage.
Strong pitching has also been pivotal to Dusty Baker's club - and to keep the good times going, Cincinnati will look to Johnny Cueto (2-1, 4.07 ERA) on Monday. The 24-year-old right-hander tossed a brilliant one-hitter last Tuesday and struck out eight to notch his first complete game in a 9-0 victory over the Pittsburgh Pirates.
A questionable single by light-hitting Ronny Cedeno marred an otherwise flawless performance for the native of the Dominican Republic. The effort also marked the first time Cueto lasted more than six innings.
A potent offense has also buoyed the Reds, who are batting a robust .314 in their last 10 contests.
Scott Rolen belted his seventh home run of the season and drove in three during Sunday's 7-2 victory over the Cardinals. In the triumph, Cincinnati recorded 13 hits - including pitcher Bronson Arroyo's two-run single in the fifth inning.
After finishing a winless six-game homestand, the Brewers will try to counter with Yovani Gallardo (4-2, 3.06 ERA) in an effort to change the team's fortunes.
The 24-year-old right-hander saw his streak of four straight wins come to an end when he received a no-decision in his last outing on Wednesday. Gallardo pitched well enough to secure the victory - allowing two runs and five hits while striking out six - but the Atlanta Braves' bats awoke from their slumber in the latter innings en route to a 9-2 setback.
Milwaukee is looking to regain its form by hitting the road. Manager Ken Macha's club is 10-4 away from Miller Park.