Cincinnati @ Milwaukee preview
American Family Field
Last Meeting ( Sep 1, 2010 ) Milwaukee 1, Cincinnati 6
The Cincinnati Reds hope a series against the Milwaukee Brewers is just what they need to get back on track.
The Reds (84-66) scorched through August to take a commanding lead in the NL Central, but have slipped up a bit lately. They are just 7-11 in September and have lost four of their last five series as they head into Monday’s contest with a six-game lead over the St. Louis Cardinals.
Cincinnati could pick up some breathing room early this week against a team it has owned all season. The Reds have won seven of the eight meetings between these two teams thus far, with Cincinnati’s offense pulling more than its weight.
The Reds are averaging an NL-best 4.91 runs per game this season, but have hammered the Brewers for 6.75 runs per contest. Not surprisingly, Joey Votto has led the way at the plate, hitting .484 with 10 RBIs against Milwaukee (69-79).
The Reds will be up against Chris Capuano (3-4, 4.11 ERA) to get the series started. Cincinnati pounded Capuano on July 27 when he came out of the bullpen, allowing four runs and six hits over three innings of work in a 12-4 loss.
A former All-Star, Capuano has moved into the rotation since then as he tries to bounce back from a second Tommy John surgery. He seems to be getting more comfortable as he gets set for his fifth start on Monday. Capuano is 1-2 over his last three but has a 2.45 ERA over that span, holding opposing hitters to a .194 batting average.
Homer Bailey (3-3, 4.85 ERA) is expected to take the mound for Cincinnati after leaving Wednesday’s start due to dizziness. He gave up three runs in three innings while walking five before leaving the game.
Bailey hasn’t won in five starts as he tries to nail down a spot in the rotation for the playoffs. The hurler should be happy to face a struggling Milwaukee offense.
The Brewers have managed just 21 runs over their last nine games and are coming off a 9-2 loss at the San Francisco Giants that denied them a series sweep.
Ryan Braun seems to be the only Milwaukee batter who is hitting these days. He’s hitting .357 with four home runs and 11 RBIs over his last 10 games.