This is the time of year where things either come together for MLB teams, or they fall apart. Streaks happen in mid-July to August, yet it’s more probable than not, you know your team’s fate. Milwaukee Brewers are playing some of their best baseball of the season. Brewers have won seven of their last eight games with a 3.5 game lead in the NL Central. They swept Baltimore Orioles with great starting pitching that continued again tonight with Matt Garza. Brewers are playing tremendous baseball in almost all facets of the game.

Player of the Game (Brewers): Matt Garza – Yep, this happened. For someone who hasn’t pitched well for most of June, Matt Garza started off July strong with nearly six innings, four strikeouts and found his way out of two early jams. Garza had bases loaded with no outs in the second inning but took care of business with the 8-9-1 hitters to keep the game scoreless. That was a big moment in this game keeping Baltimore’s spirits down.

Player of the Game (Orioles): Jayson Aquino – Baltimore is currently a mess when it comes to starting pitching and really anything at this moment, so maybe, Jayson Aquino is an answer for the team. He nearly got through six innings striking out seven batters and only walking two. Aquino had some nice offspeed stuff that might help their AL-Worst starting pitching staff.

Positive: Keon Broxton keeping the bat warm – We’ve seen these dramatic swings with Keon Broxton. He’s the Katy Perry Hot & Cold Award winner. But Broxton looked ready for a swoon, yet these last two games have been encouraging to think otherwise. Broxton finished tonight with a two-run blast that gave Milwaukee some breathing room.

Positive: Bullpen also remains solid – Take away Sunday’s game, but bullpen has been the real deal for quite some time. They went through that brutal stretch in June, but the averages seem to be balancing out. Jared Hughes’ ERA is suddenly down to 3.15 as he struck out three in 1.1 innings. Brewers are on a four-game streak of striking out 10 or more batters as a team.

Next up: Brewers head to Chicago to finish up the rain delay game. This is a big game which we’ll have more on later. If Milwaukee wins, they have a 4.5 lead in the NL Central. Zach Davies heads to hill for Milwaukee. Davies needs to avoid the big inning against the Cubs bats in what will be a hot, muggy afternoon. Mike Montgomery goes for Chicago as Milwaukee sees another left-hander. We all know Ryan Braun loves lefties and loves Wrigley Field. Don’t be surprised if he gets number 10 today.

Charlie.