Reds vs Brewers Preview: Abbott Takes the Hill on Independence Day

Andrew Abbott is on a mission. The young Cincinnati pitcher earned his first All-Star selection this season, and he's bringing that momentum to Milwaukee. Abbott owns a 2.32 ERA with 27 strikeouts. Those are All-Star numbers, and the Reds need him to stay sharp. Hunter Greene won't pitch until Saturday, so Abbott's the ace right now. The Brewers hit well on Sunday, scoring seven runs. Abbott has to keep them off balance. This is his chance to prove why the Reds believe in him.

The Brewers are swinging like champions. They beat Cincinnati 7-2 on Sunday, with home runs flying everywhere. Salvador Bauers crushed one 425 feet to center. Chourio launched another 404 feet to left center. That's the kind of power that wins ballgames. Milwaukee sits 52-31, leading the division. They won two straight coming into Thursday. The Reds are 39-45 and losing. Cincinnati's pitching staff carries big questions with Hunter Greene still healing. Milwaukee's bats keep answering every time. You want to see a team rolling? Watch these Brewers swing.

Cincinnati's rotation is fighting through injuries. Hunter Greene had elbow surgery and won't pitch until Saturday. Andrew Abbott and Nick Lodolo are carrying the load early. Abbott's first All-Star season shows he can handle big moments. The bullpen has closer Emilio Pagán to shut things down late. But keeping runs off the board is the job. Milwaukee's offense scored seven runs on Sunday alone. If Cincinnati's pitchers can't pitch better than recent games, this series gets tougher. Abbott needs a great performance to keep the Reds competitive against Milwaukee's powered-up bats.