Milwaukee @ Cincinnati preview

Last Meeting ( Jun 29, 2018 ) Milwaukee 8, Cincinnati 2

The Milwaukee Brewers attempt to defeat the Cincinnati Reds for the eighth consecutive time when they visit their National League Central rivals on Saturday for the third contest of their four-game series. Cincinnati won the season's first matchup, but the Brewers have won the rest - including Friday's 8-2 triumph.

Keon Broxton drove in four runs while going deep twice for his third career multi-homer performance and Milwaukee scored five runs in the ninth inning to turn a close game into a blowout. Ryan Braun departed the contest with lower back stiffness and isn't expected to be available on Saturday. The Reds have allowed 14 runs while losing the first two games of the series and have been outscored 34-18 during their seven-game skid against Milwaukee. Joey Votto recorded a single on Friday for his lone hit in 12 at-bats over his last four contests.

TV: 4:10 p.m. ET, FS Wisconsin (Milwaukee), FS Ohio (Cincinnati)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Brewers RH Jhoulys Chacin (6-3, 3.82 ERA) vs. Reds RH Tyler Mahle (6-6, 3.98)

Chacin was roughed up for eight runs and nine hits in 4 1/3 innings of a loss to St. Louis in his last turn. The 30-year-old has dropped back-to-back outings after winning his previous three starts, as well as six straight decisions. Chacin gave up four runs and five hits over 4 1/3 frames in a no-decision against the Reds on April 30 and is 2-3 with a 4.08 ERA in nine career appearances (seven starts) versus Cincinnati.

Mahle has gone 3-0 over his last six starts, allowing two runs in four of the outings. The 23-year-old did not factor in the decision against Atlanta in his last turn after giving up three runs and five hits over five innings. Mahle lost to the Brewers on April 18, when he gave up two runs and seven hits over five innings - with the runs coming on a homer by Eric Thames.

WALK-OFFS

1. Brewers CF Christian Yelich (back) is expected to miss his second straight game on Saturday.

2. Cincinnati 2B Scooter Gennett is hitless in eight at-bats in the series to drop his NL-best batting average to .327.

3. Milwaukee 1B Jesus Aguilar is 8-for-15 with three homers over his last four games and is batting .329 with 10 blasts and 24 RBIs this month.

PREDICTION: Brewers 7, Reds 4