With NL Central in site, Cincinnati Reds continue to miss out

Aug 18, 2013; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Cincinnati Reds second baseman Brandon Phillips (left) turns a double play after forcing out Milwaukee Brewers left fielder Logan Schafer (right) in the 9th inning at Miller Park. The Reds beat the Brewers 9-1. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports /

The Cincinnati Reds entered this weekend’s series against the Milwaukee Brewers at home with a great chance to gain ground on the S.t Louis Cardinals and Pittsburgh Pirates. With the Pirates on a west coast road trip facing the San Francisco Giants, as well as the Cards hosting the Atlanta Braves, this could have been a chance for the Reds to finally move up past their two NL Central rivals in the standings.

Alas, the Reds lost at home to the lowly-Brewers, 6-4, and by night’s end, could be 3.5 games behind the Pirates for first-place in the division.

This was a big missed oppurtunity for the Reds, as they’re just 2.5 games behind the Pirates for the outright division lead. They’re also just a game behind the Cards for the No. 1 Wild Card spot, which means they would host a one-game playoff in the scenario that the Reds and Cards finish with the two best records in the Wild Card standings.

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