If the Milwaukee Brewers miss the playoffs, they will reflect on going 2-4 against San Francisco and Cincinnati at the final quarter of the season. There’s no reason that should have happened, but unfortunately happens with a young team. Brewers do not know how to play at the same level they do against Washington, Los Angeles and others when they’re playing the Cincinnati’s and San Francisco’s of the world. Once again, we’re at an impasse with the Brewers, and you have to wonder if they can recover from it.

Craig Counsell’s lineup made no sense
Let’s start here. Craig Counsell did not do anyone favors against Robert Stephenson. They loaded up on left-handers against Robert Stephenson who struggled against lefties, but they left Eric Thames. Now, I know Thames is struggling mightily, but he has two home runs against this pitcher in a very limited sample size. At least Counsell should let Thames see if he can get hot again. Add to that, Jonathan Villar plays out in centerfield which finally came back to haunt the Brewers. Keon Broxton is a damn good centerfielder, and he can take anyone of out of the ballpark. Brewers trailed because of Counsell early on.

Jacob Barnes and Wei-Chung Wang blow up the Brewers
Milwaukee got back a run in the top of the seventh to shorten the lead to one thanks to a Stephen Vogt double. Brewers gave it all back and then some in the bottom of the seventh. After Jacob Barnes dominated on Sunday afternoon with two strong innings, he looked like absolute shit tonight with three walks and a wild pitch that allowed a run to score. Wei-Chung Wang came in to play lefty specialist against Scooter Gennett to try and keep the lead to three only to have the former Brewers second baseman deliver a knockout punch.

Next up
Somehow, things go from bad to worse for Milwaukee as Matt Garza will start a bullpen game on Wednesday against Cincinnati. Reds hitters have to licking their chops. Brewers have fallen back to 2.5 back in the Wild Card while maintaining at 3.5 behind Chicago after Cubs dropped two straight as well away from Wrigley. It’s never a good feeling to have a must-win situation fall on the shoulders of Matt fucking Garza.

Charlie.