Kyle Lohse – UPI/Bill Greenblatt
The Milwaukee Brewers stayed alive in the NL wildcard picture for another day, blanking the Cincinnati Reds 5-0 at Great American Ballpark.
The win, along with the Giants 9-1 loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers, allowed the Brewers to avoid playoff elimination for at least one more day. The Brewers trail the Giants by four games, with four left to play.
The Brewers need to win all four of their remaining games and get the Giants to lose all four of their games, just to force a 0ne-game matchup for the right to a wild card spot. The Brewers close out their series at Cincinnati today, then host the Chicago Cubs for a three-game season ending series at Miller Park this weekend. The Giants open a 4-game series with division rival San Diego.
Kyle Lohse went the distance, tossing a 2-hit, complete game shutout for the Brewers. He struck out six, with no walks. Cincinnati pitchers also did their best to help the Brewers by walking 10 hitters.
During the first eight games of the road trip, Brewer starting pitchers have combined for a 1.17 ERA.
Second baseman Rickie Weeks led the Brewers offensively, going 2 for 3 with a walk. Jean Segura doubled home two runs in the 8th inning.
Yovani Gallardo (8-10, 3.46) pitches the series finale for the Brewers today. David Holmberg (1-2, 5.25) pitches for the Reds today (11:35am).