After a rocky start to the second half, the Brewers have hit a little hot streak to keep pace with the first place Cubs. The key to Milwaukee’s recent success has been stellar pitching, both from the starters and in the bullpen. Having only allowed 15 runs in the past 8 games, it’s easy to see how the team can grind out wins even if the offense is struggling.

One area of concern is with Travis Shaw. In Saturday’s game he attempted to steal second base. While sliding, the fielder’s glove hit him in the head while the ball hit Shaw square in the neck. For now, it appears as though the injury is not going to require a trip to the disabled list, but the Brewers need their entire roster healthy if they want to retake the division lead.

The Brewers next seven games are against the Minnesota Twins and Cincinnati Reds.  Minnesota has been backsliding since the All-Star break and recently dumped starting pitcher Jaime Garcia at the trade deadline, essentially waving the white flag. Cincinnati is amongst the league’s cellar dwellers once again and do not appear to be heading upward any time soon.With five of those games at home, this is the time for the Brewers to make a run. Especially because after this week, the schedule appears rather difficult for the final month and a half of the season.

As for the the team the Brewers are chasing, the Cubs only have three more games in August against playoff teams. With that said, there are still seven head to head matchup between the Cubs and Brewers, which is plenty of time to shake up the division.

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