Reds vs Brewers Preview: Logo up for Week 66 Showdown

Milwaukee's pitching staff just faced the Reds and came away with three straight wins. The Brewers' bats were on fire—home runs flew out of Great American Ball Park from guys like Bauers and Contreras. Now they're 50-31 and heading back to American Family Field. Cincinnati's 39-43 record shows they've struggled recently. The Reds lost to Pittsburgh on Sunday and only managed four wins in their last ten games. Robert Gasser takes the mound for Milwaukee looking to keep the hot streak alive. This is Cincinnati's chance to snap back and prove they can compete with the division's best teams.

Nick Lodolo gets the ball for Cincinnati on Monday night. The left-hander is the Reds' main hope to keep Milwaukee's bats quiet. Looking at his numbers, Lodolo's ERA sits at 6.39 this season. That's not the kind of start any pitcher wants. He's struck out sixteen batters but given up plenty of hits too. The Brewers just showed they can hit anyone. Bauers crushed a triple and homered in the series. Contreras went deep twice. If Lodolo can't locate his fastball and throw strikes, Milwaukee will make him pay. Cincinnati's pitching staff is carrying too many questions this season. Lodolo needs to be sharp.

The Reds are walking into this game without some key pieces. Eugenio Suarez took a fastball off his hand on Sunday and had X-rays that didn't show much. He's waiting for more tests on Monday to see if he can play. Elly De La Cruz recently came back from the injured list but looks rusty at the plate—he's been 1-for-14 in four games back. These injuries can't stop Cincinnati's young offense, though. The team needs everyone healthy and swinging to compete. Milwaukee won't wait around for the Reds to get rolling. Monday night is about fighting back and proving Cincinnati belongs in this division race.