Game Thread #137: Milwaukee Brewers (80-56) @ Cincinnati Reds (64-73)

Brewers aim for four-game sweep in Sunday matinee

The Milwaukee Brewers were expected to have their hands full this season as they attempted to repeat as division champs.

Their Sunday morning matchup against the Reds could be an emphatic statement about the story of this 2024 campaign.

The Brewers are aiming to sweep the entire four-game set with Tobias Myers set for the start. He’s posted a 4.30 ERA over his last three starts, but his last game against Cincinatti preceded this bumpy stretch. In that game, Myers went 7 ¹⁄₃ innings with nine strikeouts without allowing a run.

As rosters expand across the league, the Brewers recalled pitcher DL Hall and outfielder Brewer Hicklen from Triple-A. Hicklen will be a prominent feature in today’s lineup, slotting in at fifth in the batting order and playing right field. He has hit .247 with 21 home runs this year for Nashville. Not only could he be an additional power source for Milwaukee, but he’s also nabbed 42 stolen bases. Not bad! He’s also the first “Brewer” in Brewers history and the Brewers become the fourth MLB team to have a player of the same name.

With lefty Brandon Williamson starting for Cincinnati, Jackson Chourio will bat leadoff with Blake Perkins in center field, rounding out the outfield rotation. Chourio’s been exceptional, but Perkins seems to be staking his claim for some attention, too. Besides his almost ceaseless defensive highlights, Perkins has six hits over the last five games. He’s slashed .351/.435/.432 (139 wRC+) since August 7.

The infield takes on a familiar look with Joey Ortiz and Rhys Hoskins at the corner. Willy Adames and Brice Turang take on shortstop and second base, respectively. Gary Sánchez will take today’s start behind the dish. William Contreras is locked in as the designated hitter.

Today’s game is available on Bally Sports Wisconsin and the Brewers Radio Network. First pitch is at 11:10 a.m.