The day-night doubleheader wraps up as two NL Central foes clash in Cincinnati, where Skyline chili reigns supreme. The Milwaukee Brewers are on the road, facing off against the Cincinnati Reds in the evening matchup of a doubleheader and the second game of a four-game series. The Brewers recently completed a series against the Giants at home, winning the middle game 5-3. Meanwhile, Cincinnati aimed to break a losing streak at home against the A’s, suffering a 9-6 defeat in the previous game. This article covers events prior to the conclusion of Thursday’s games and the first game of the doubleheader on Friday afternoon.
Brewers Leading the Charge in the NL Central
Milwaukee had seen mixed results lately, dropping four of their last six games before bouncing back with a win against San Francisco. Entering Thursday, the Brewers stood at 76-56, boasting a comfortable nine-game lead over the Cubs in the NL Central standings. In Wednesday’s game, Milwaukee showcased a strong offense with Bryce Perkins and William Contreras each contributing two hits, including Contreras’ 18th home run of the season. Pitcher Freddy Peralta secured the win with six scoreless innings, allowing just three hits while striking out eight batters. Devin Williams closed out the game with a perfect ninth inning, marking his sixth save of the season.
The Brewers are slated to put DL Hall on the mound for his sixth start of the season. Currently, Hall holds an 0-1 record with a 6.43 ERA and a 2.095 WHIP, having issued 13 walks while notching 22 strikeouts over 21 innings. In his previous matchup against the Reds, Hall pitched 4.2 innings, allowing three runs (one earned) while striking out nine, even though the Brewers lost that game 4-3. Over his last three starts, Hall has struggled, accumulating a 7.71 ERA. This will be his second career start against Cincinnati, where he previously recorded a 1.93 ERA across 4.2 innings. It will also be his first appearance at Great American Ball Park.
Reds Seeking to Climb Out of the NL Central Cellar
The Reds faced a tough stretch, losing three straight games and five of their last six. As of Thursday, they held a record of 63-70, sitting in fourth place in the NL Central, a daunting 13.5 games behind the Brewers. They are also trailing the Braves by 10 games for the last wild card slot in the National League playoffs. Cincinnati attempted a comeback in their previous game against the A’s, scoring six runs in the seventh inning but ultimately faltering in the eighth. Santiago Espinal was a bright spot for the Reds, contributing two hits, while Will Benson hit his 13th home run of the season.
In a notable development, Rhett Lowder, the Reds’ first-round draft pick from last year, is expected to make his major league debut in this game. Lowder has had a solid season in the minors, with a 6-4 record, 3.64 ERA, and 113 strikeouts over 108.2 innings in 22 starts. He has pitched at various levels, including Advanced-A Dayton and Triple-A Louisville. This will be Lowder’s first career start against the Brewers and his debut at Great American Ball Park. During his college career at Wake Forest, he posted an impressive 30-5 record, showcasing his potential as a rising star in the organization.
Betting Insights for Brewers vs. Reds Showdown
Both teams are set to field young pitchers for the second game of the doubleheader, raising questions about their performance. Fatigue could play a significant role, as both teams competed just a day prior. This dynamic may lead to extended appearances for pitchers who have struggled lately. Cincinnati’s recent performance has left them on the brink of elimination from playoff contention. In contrast, Milwaukee boasts a robust lineup and a reliable bullpen. Given Cincinnati’s recent pitching woes, the Brewers may hold the advantage in this matchup.
