Milwaukee @ Cincinnati preview

Last Meeting ( May 2, 2018 ) Milwaukee 3, Cincinnati 1

Milwaukee and Cincinnati are at opposite ends of the spectrum in the National League Central, but the last-place Reds are in the midst of their hottest stretch in six years as they prepare to host the Brewers on Thursday in the opener of a four-game set. Milwaukee has won five straight in the series, including a three-game sweep at Cincinnati from April 30-May 2.

The Reds improved to 9-1 in their last 10 games by rallying for a 6-5 win at NL East-leading Atlanta on Wednesday -- their fifth come-from-behind victory in that span. "Early on, we were coming from behind a lot but not winning," interim manager Jim Riggleman said. "It's really nice to come back and actually win the game." The division-leading Brewers have lost three of four after splitting a two-game interleague series against another last-place club in Kansas City. First baseman Jesús Aguilar went deep in both games against the Royals, giving him seven home runs and 15 RBIs over his last 10 games.

TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, FS Wisconsin (Milwaukee), FS Ohio (Cincinnati)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Brewers RH Junior Guerra (3-5, 2.82 ERA) vs. Reds RH Anthony DeSclafani (3-1, 4.09)

Guerra did not factor in the decision against St. Louis on Friday, extending his winless drought to seven starts despite striking out seven and giving up one run on three hits over five-plus innings. It marked the eighth consecutive outing in which the 33-year-old Venezuelan did not allow more than three runs. Guerra blanked the Reds on one hit over 5 2/3 innings in a no-decision on April 17.

DeSclafani won his third consecutive start by holding the Cubs to two runs on three hits over a season-high 6 1/3 innings while helping himself by belting a grand slam. He also gave up two runs on three hits in his previous turn at Pittsburgh, with all four runs in the past two starts coming via solo homers. DeSclafani is 2-2 with a 4.15 ERA in five appearances (four starts) versus the Brewers.

WALK-OFFS

1. Reds 2B Scooter Gennett, batting an NL-best .336, is riding a 10-game hitting streak.

2. Brewers LF Ryan Braun has hit safely in four straight games.

3. Cincinnati is 31-31 since Riggleman was named interim manager.

PREDICTION: Brewers 4, Reds 3