Milwaukee @ Cincinnati preview

Last Meeting ( May 9, 2012 ) Cincinnati 2, Milwaukee 1

Clinging to a one-game lead in the NL Central, the Reds open a three-game home series against division rival Milwaukee on Monday. Cincinnati has dropped five of six following Sunday’s 4-3 heartbreaking loss to Minnesota in which closer Aroldis Chapman gave up a 438-foot, two-run homer in the ninth to Josh Willingham. The Reds hope to get a boost from the return of outfielder Drew Stubbs, who has not played since injuring his left oblique while swinging at a pitch on June 5.

The Brewers dropped two of three at the White Sox over the weekend, falling 1-0 in 10 innings on Sunday. They’re 6 ½ games behind the Reds and 15-21 on the road this season. Cincinnati took two of three from the Brewers in Milwaukee last month.

TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, FSWI, FS-O

PITCHING MATCHUP: Brewers RH Yovani Gallardo (6-5, 4.22 ERA) vs. Reds RH Mat Latos (5-2, 5.20 ERA)

Gallardo has delivered three straight quality starts, and the Brewers have won five of his last six starts. But he has a poor WHIP of 1.41, due to 38 walks in 89 2/3 innings. Batters are hitting .257 against him. He’s 4-3 with a 5.13 ERA in 12 starts against the Reds. Jay Bruce is 9-for-20 with two homers and five RBIs against Gallardo.

Latos got an extra day of rest after being lit up for seven earned in four innings at Cleveland last time out. He has a 6.97 ERA in four June starts. For the season, batters are hitting .274 against Latos. He’s 0-2 with a 4.63 ERA in two career starts against the Brewers.

WALK-OFFS:

1. Reds SS Zack Cozart, in a 1-for-14 slump, was given Sunday off but is expected to start Monday.

2. Reds 1B Joey Votto belted his 13th homer Sunday, and is hitting .359 with a .653 slugging percentage.

3. Brewers CF Chris Gomez went 0-for-12 in the weekend series against the White Sox.