Brewers at Reds
After beginning a nine-game road trip with a pair of victories in Kansas City that extended their overall winning streak to eight, the Milwaukee Brewers have seen their bats go into a deep freeze. Milwaukee looks to heat up offensively after totaling two runs during a four-game sweep in Chicago when it visits the Cincinnati Reds on Monday for the opener of their three-game series.
The Brewers were shut out in three of their four losses to the Cubs, including Sunday's 2-0 setback in which they produced just a pair of singles. Milwaukee registered a total of 14 hits in the four-game set and two in each of the final two contests, marking the first time since 1974 it has managed two or fewer in back-to-back games. Cincinnati hasn't won many contests this season, but it has poured on the offense in its last six triumphs. The Reds have scored at least seven runs in each of those victories, including Sunday's 8-2 romp at Minnesota in which Jose Peraza went 3-for-5 with an RBI during a 14-hit attack.
TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, FS Wisconsin (Milwaukee), FS Ohio (Cincinnati)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Brewers RH Jhoulys Chacin (2-1, 3.99 ERA) vs. Reds LH Brandon Finnegan (0-2, 8.03)
Chacin appears to have overcome his early struggles as he has allowed three runs over 15 2/3 innings while going 2-0 in his last three starts. The 30-year-old Venezuelan is coming off a victory at Kansas City on Wednesday in which he yielded two runs and four hits over 5 2/3 frames. Chacin owns a 2-3 record with one complete game and a 3.64 ERA in six starts and two relief appearances against Cincinnati.
Finnegan is seeking his first win of 2018 as he makes his fourth start after beginning the season on the disabled list due to a biceps injury. The 25-year-old Texan settled for a no-decision against Atlanta on Wednesday after giving up three runs - two earned - and seven hits in five innings. Finnegan has made five starts and one relief appearance against Milwaukee in his career, going 2-1 with a 3.86 ERA.
WALK-OFFS
1. The Brewers hosted a three-game set against the Reds earlier this month, losing the opener decisively before posting back-to-back 2-0 victories.
2. Cincinnati OF Jesse Winker and 1B Joey Votto have reached safely in 16 and 14 consecutive games, respectively.
3. Milwaukee LHP Brent Suter has been moved to the bullpen to make room in the rotation for LHP Wade Miley (groin), who will make his debut with the team when he starts the series finale on Wednesday.