Brewers open series at Cincinnati with playoff berth possible by Sunday

The Milwaukee Brewers defeated the Cincinnati Reds 10-7 in a rain-delayed, rain-soaked series opener, improving to 88-54 and 7-1 against Cincinnati this season. Milwaukee entered the three-game series with an MLB-best record, an eight-game lead over the Chicago Cubs in the NL Central and a chance to clinch a playoff berth as early as Sunday. A costly fifth-inning throwing error by Reds shortstop Elly De La Cruz helped load the bases, allowing Brice Turang to force in a run before rookie Cooper Pratt hit a bases-clearing triple and scored on a wild pitch. Turang, who had been slumping while managing a knee issue, had three hits and three RBIs, while Brewers closer Trevor Megill extended a strong stretch after going 14 consecutive appearances without allowing an earned run and earning National League Reliever of the Month honors for August. Cincinnati received a three-run homer from Eugenio Suárez in his return after taking the U.S. naturalization test, but the loss worsened a difficult season and left the Reds 67-74, 6 1/2 games out of the final NL wild-card spot; Milwaukee will seek another win Saturday.