It was been a brutal July for the Milwaukee Brewers. But despite winning just eight of 22 games entering the final few days of July, the Brew Crew cling to a two-game lead over the St. Louis Cardinals in the National League Central.
The Cardinals have compiled a 12-9 record in July, but have been a mediocre 4-4 since the All-Star Break. That has not prevented St. Louis from emerging as a co-favorite to win the NL Central, alongside the Brewers, with odds of 7/5. However the Cardinals have surpassed the Brewers in World Series futures betting according to sportsbettingsites.tv, with odds of 12/1, compared to 14/1 for Milwaukee.
August will be a crucial month for the Brewers, who have not reached the MLB Post-Season since 2011. After kicking off the month with a three-game series in St. Louis, the Brewers return home for back-to-back series against the San Francisco Giants and Los Angeles Dodgers, who are engaged in a tight battle for top spot in the NL West.
Milwaukee then hits the road for a four-game tilt against the struggling Chicago Cubs before flying to the coast for a three-game set against the Dodgers.
While the Brewers have enjoyed recent success against the Giants, winning five of seven head-to-head in 2013, Milwaukee have won just two of their last six against the Dodgers. But with both NL West squads barely playing .500 baseball in recent weeks, the Brewers could have the opportunity to strengthen their position in their NL Central while dramatically impacting the NL West race.
Following a two-game series at home against the Toronto Blue Jays, the Brewers face another division rival, the Pittsburgh Pirates.
Despite inconsistent play, the Bucs have managed to stay in the thick of the NL Central race; just two games back of the Brewers, entering the final Monday of July. But the Pirates have struggled mightily on the road this season, winning just 21 games away from the friendly confines of PNC Park.
