The last couple of season, the Milwaukee Brewers have not fared well in their last two series before the All-Star break. Milwaukee went 1-5 in 2007 and last year finished the first half on a 3-4 skid. In 2008, a win by C.C. Sabathia over the Cincinnati Reds saved Milwaukee from being swept by their division rivals on the last day before the All-Star break.
This year there is no Sabathia and a little more is at stake then a series against the Reds. Milwaukee will finish the first half with a three-game set against Cardinals starting tonight and then close out with three contests against the Dodgers. Milwaukee and St. Louis are battling for the top spot in the central, while LA looks like they will run away with the NL West.
So these six games can mean a lot to a Brewers team that is looking to take the next step. Winning both series not only give them momentum into the second half but would send a message to two teams that Milwaukee could possibly see in the playoffs if they make it there.
But history has shown that Milwaukee has not faired well in these last few games before the July break. Call it early vacation or whatever, the Brewers did not look like themselves in those series. In 2008, Milwaukee gave up more than half their runs in the seventh inning or later in the four losses.
Of course baseball is a long season and the entire second half is left to go but the Brewers can make a statement in these next six games. A statement that may mean a lot come late September and early October.
Keywords: All-star break, Los Angeles Dodgers, Milwaukee Brewers, National League Central, National League West, St. Louis Cardinals
