Brewers Playoff Push
MLB-Best Brewers Open Series in Cincinnati With Playoffs Nearing
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Key Points
1
Milwaukee entered the Cincinnati series with an MLB-best 87-54 record, while the Reds were 67-73 and 6½ games behind the Arizona Diamondbacks for the National League’s final wild-card spot.
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Shane Drohan has posted a 3.75 ERA in 27 appearances this season, including 16 starts, after arriving in Milwaukee in the trade centered on Caleb Durbin and Kyle Harrison.
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Rhett Lowder has a 5.14 ERA in 24 appearances for Cincinnati, including 21 starts, entering Friday’s matchup with Drohan.
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Trevor Megill went 8-for-8 in save opportunities in August, allowing only one unearned run over 11 appearances; he is 2-3 with a 2.19 ERA and 25 saves this season.
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Sal Stewart hit .304 with eight home runs and 21 RBIs in August, and Reds closer Emilio Pagan said, “If I had a vote, he’s Rookie of the Year,” while praising Stewart’s improvement late in the season.
The Milwaukee Brewers enter Friday's series at Cincinnati with baseball's best record at 87-54, sitting eight games ahead of the Chicago Cubs in the National League Central with 21 games remaining MLB.com. A playoff berth could be clinched as soon as Sunday, but first the Brewers must shake off a disappointing 2-1 loss to Chicago on Thursday, where Pete Crow-Armstrong's two-run homer proved decisive despite Milwaukee's dominant pitching Brewers team source.
Brewers' Bullpen Powers Through Despite Offensive Slump
Milwaukee's relief corps has emerged as a season-long strength, allowing just one run over its last 10⅔ innings Brewers team source. Closer Trevor Megill went 8-for-8 in save opportunities during August and owns a 2.19 ERA with 25 saves on the year MLB.com. The star reliever has not allowed an earned run in his last 14 straight appearances and earned National League Reliever of the Month honors.
Despite the bullpen's excellence, the Brewers' bats fell silent Thursday against Chicago. Milwaukee's top four hitters failed to record a hit, stranding scoring opportunities Brewers team source. Starter Logan Henderson delivered seven strong innings but could not overcome the offensive drought.
Cincinnati Seeks Postseason Miracle Against Division Leader
The Reds arrive at 67-73, sitting 6½ games behind Arizona for the final National League wild-card spot MLB.com. Cincinnati won two of three against San Diego in their recent series and will try to build momentum against the league's best team. The Reds' path to October remains steep but not impossible with several weeks of baseball still to play.
Rookie first baseman Sal Stewart anchors Cincinnati's offense after winning National League Rookie of the Month. Stewart leads all of baseball with 105 RBIs and hit .304 with eight home runs and 21 RBIs during August MLB.com. Reds closer Emilio Pagan said of Stewart: "If I had a vote, he's Rookie of the Year," praising the young star's late-season surge Brewers team source.
Friday's Pitching Matchup Features Contrasting Trajectories
Milwaukee's Shane Drohan takes the mound for Friday's opener with a 3.75 ERA across 27 appearances (16 starts) this season MLB.com. Drohan arrived in Milwaukee as part of a trade centered on Caleb Durbin and Kyle Harrison, adding depth to the Brewers' rotation down the stretch. The right-hander figures prominently in Milwaukee's playoff plans.
Cincinnati counters with Rhett Lowder, a 24-year-old who carries a 5.14 ERA through 24 appearances (21 starts) MLB.com. The rookie has struggled this season compared to Cincinnati's breakout performers like Stewart. The first-pitch matchup tips off Friday night at Great American Ball Park.
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