The Milwaukee Brewers own the top spot in the NL Central but they shouldn’t get too complacent because the Cincinnati Reds, who are playing good baseball, are 7-1/2 games back and still within striking distance. The Brewers lost Game 1 of their 3-game set last night to the Twins, 2-0, and have now lost two straight but with Adrian Houser expected on the hill for the Brew their chances of getting back on track today look good. Houser has been been throwing flames. Over his last 3 turns, Houser is 1-0 with a nasty ERA of just 0.61 and a WHIP to match at 0.89. The expected starter for the Twins, lefty Charlie Barnes, has been just the opposite. Over his last 3 starts, Barnes is 0-2 with a bloated ERA of 8.36 and a 1.79 WHIP. The Brewers have excelled on the road this year, going 42-22, and are 20-7 in their last 27 as a road favorite. The Twins, who have nothing to play for except pride, are 31-33 at home and rarely put together back-to-back wins.
TODAY’S PICK: MILWAUKEE BREWERS