Cincinnati @ Milwaukee preview
American Family Field
Last Meeting ( Aug 6, 2012 ) Cincinnati 3, Milwaukee 6
The National League Central-leading Cincinnati Reds try to avoid their first three-game losing streak since July 3-5 when they visit the Milwaukee Brewers for the middle game of their three-game series on Tuesday. After dropping the finale of its three-game set with Pittsburgh on Sunday, Cincinnati lost a 6-3 decision at Milwaukee on Monday, ending its nine-game road winning streak.
The Reds, whose division lead over the Pirates was reduced to 3 1/2 games, lost twice in Los Angeles and once in San Diego before beginning their nine-game run away from home at Petco Park on July 6. The Brewers have won four consecutive home games but only five of 17 overall. Their six-run output on Monday eclipsed their entire run production from their lost weekend in St. Louis, where they were outscored 18-4 while losing all three games.
TV: 8:10 p.m. ET, FSN (Cincinnati, Milwaukee)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Reds RH Johnny Cueto (14-5, 2.52 ERA) vs. Brewers RH Mike Fiers (5-4, 1.88)
Cueto is hoping to extend his personal winning streak to six games and tie Jered Weaver of the Los Angeles Angels for the major-league lead in victories. The 26-year-old Dominican defeated San Diego on Thursday despite allowing four runs in 7 1/3 innings. Cueto improved to 3-2 in 11 career starts against Milwaukee on July 22, when he yielded just one run over seven frames.
Fiers has been sensational over his last eight starts, going 4-2 while allowing a total of six runs over 53 innings. The 27-year-old posted his second straight win Wednesday against Houston as he gave up two runs over six frames. Fiers lost his first career meeting with the Reds in Cincinnati on July 22 despite surrendering only two runs - one earned - and five hits in six innings.
WALK-OFFS
1. Milwaukee 3B Aramis Ramirez hit his 37th double Monday, moving one ahead of injured Cincinnati 1B Joey Votto for the NL lead.
2. Reds LHP Aroldis Chapman has a microscopic 0.19 ERA against NL teams.
3. The Brewers had back-to-back homers for the fifth time this season when Ramirez and Corey Hart accomplished the feat in the sixth inning Monday.