Second-place teams in tight division races will collide for the final time, with the Milwaukee Brewers (39-36) taking on the Cleveland Guardians (36-39) on Sunday afternoon. This series began on Friday with a resounding Brewers victory. It was the fourth consecutive time that Milwaukee beat Cleveland, with every game coming on the Guardians' home turf. They're set to play again on Saturday afternoon before this Sunday matinee. The first pitch is scheduled for 1:40 p.m. EDT, with Progressive Field hosting the matchup.
OUTTA HERE (literally) #ThisIsMyCrew pic.twitter.com/r4jtNS12a9
— Milwaukee Brewers (@Brewers) June 24, 2023
This team has been fighting for control of the NL Central all season. With offense output akin to Friday's, they can attain it. Ranking 24th in runs per game, scoring has been the Brewers' bane for most of 2023. Even after plating seven on Friday, the team was still 29th in batting average and 28th in strikeout rate this season. No team has fewer hits or doubles. Only a few are lower in OBP and slugging percentage. Getting a strong performance on the road was a refreshing change of pace, but this team still has work to do.
They also held Cleveland to one run on Friday, and with Corbin Burnes on the bump in this one, can probably do it again. He hasn't been performing to the same level as his 2020-2022 run but is still the man Milwau kee always wants to see pitching. Especially on the road, where he's turned in four straight quality starts. Cleveland also has a weak offense, so the opportunity to shut them down is there.