In this 2020 MLB season sim, in the NL Central, Cincy loses the Battle of Ohio.
The Reds lost their grip on first place and also on second when the Cleveland Indians took them down twice at Great American. Aaron Civale, the game’s hottest pitcher right now, threw a complete game five-hitter backed by a 15-hit attack off former Indian Trevor Bauer and three Reds relievers.
Civale, who has not lost since May 23, improved his record to 10-3. He has a 26-inning scoreless streak, and in his last five starts – encompassing 36 innings – has allowed just three runs and 16 base hits.
Carlos Carrasco picked up Wednesday where Civale left off, taking a 5-2 victory. Carrasco, 6-1, went seven innings and allowed just three hits. Carlos Santana’s three-run eighth-inning home run made life easy.
The Reds’ problems enabled the Brewers to get a half percentage point nose into second place by winning two of three against the visiting Rays. Brett Anderson, Milwaukee’s best pitcher, ran his record to 10-4 with a 5-3 win Monday. Christian Yelich and Justin Smoak helped with home runs.
Tampa got a 6-2 win Wednesday for Brendan McKay, who also belted a home run and got a second run home via a ground ball. Austin Meadows and Willie Adames also homered.
With that split under their belts, the Brewers welcomed the Colorado Rockies to town and took a 7-4 decision. Eric Sogard was the unlikely offensive hero, hitting a home run and driving in four runs.
W-L Pct GB
St. Louis Cardinals 51-44 .537 —
Milwaukee Brewers 48-45 .516 2
Cincinnati Reds 49-46 .516 2
Chicago Cubs 46-47 .495 4
Pittsburgh Pirates 33-61 .351 17.5