When the Milwaukee Brewers beat the Chicago Cubs in the opener of a 5-game series, it bunched the top 4 NL wild-card contenders within 5 1/2 games.

The Reds played clean baseball Sunday to beat the Brewers, but defensive lapses earlier cost them the series — again.

Cincinnati Reds Make Flurry of Roster Moves Ahead of Series Finale vs Milwaukee Brewers. The Reds are hoping to win on Sunday to avoid being swept by the Brewers.

Mike Kadlick reports that the Boston Red Sox will be without a promising rookie until 2026, as Marcelo Mayer had season-ending wrist surgery. Jim Bowden looks at the top 25 free agents who will become available in the upcoming offseason. ( The Athletic subscription required .)

Andruw Monasterio hit a three-run home run in the 11th inning and the Milwaukee Brewers won their franchise-record 14th game in a row, 6-5 over the Cincinnati Reds on Saturday night.

Saturday night, the Reds had the winning run in scoring position with just one out in the bottom of the 10th. Elly De La Cruz struck out with runners on first and second and two outs to end the inning, and the Brewers took a 6-3 lead in the top of the 11th on a pinch-hit three-run home run by Andruw Monasterio.

The Cincinnati Reds knocked out an All-Star pitcher in the second to take an 8-1 lead, then blew it in a 10-8 loss to the Milwaukee Brewers.