Cincinnati Reds vs. Milwaukee Brewers Preview & Predictions: Key Matchup on September 26, 2025

Friday, September 26th, 2025

Cincinnati Reds vs. Milwaukee Brewers: Series Opener Preview

The Milwaukee Brewers will welcome the Cincinnati Reds to American Family Field for the opening game of a pivotal three-game series. The Reds (81-78, third in the NL Central) look to gain ground against the division-leading Brewers (96-63, first in the NL Central) as both teams enter the final stretch of the season.

Pitching Matchup

The mound will see Zack Littell start for Cincinnati. Littell enters with a 10-8 record, a 3.86 ERA, a 1.10 WHIP, and 127 strikeouts, aiming to finish his campaign on a strong note. For Milwaukee, Quinn Priester takes the ball with an impressive 13-2 record, a 3.25 ERA, a 1.21 WHIP, and 128 strikeouts. Both hurlers are set to play critical roles in this high-stakes contest.

Weather

Today at American Family Field, expect mild baseball weather with temperatures around 68°F and mostly cloudy skies. There’s a low 10% chance of precipitation, so rain delays are unlikely. Winds will be light out of the southwest at 7 mph, providing comfortable and playable conditions for fans and players alike.

Team Performance

The Brewers have anchored their season with a stellar 51-27 home record and an overall tally of 96-63. When Milwaukee out-hits opponents, they've surged to a 68-15 record, underscoring their offensive prowess.

The Reds arrive with an 81-78 mark, including a 36-42 record away from home. Their .391 slugging percentage is ninth in the National League, making them a threat to any pitching staff. Entering this contest, Cincinnati has collected momentum from recent road victories.

Season Series

This meeting marks the 11th game between the two clubs this season, with Milwaukee holding the advantage in the series at 7-3. Both teams are seeking to make a statement as they close out divisional play.

Players to Watch

Christian Yelich continues to be a game-changer for Milwaukee with 20 doubles and 29 home runs on the season. Sal Frelick has also contributed lately, batting .250 over his last 10 games with three doubles and two home runs.

For Cincinnati, Elly De La Cruz leads the power surge with 21 home runs and a .439 slugging percentage. Gavin Lux remains productive, going 10-for-34 with extra-base hits and three RBIs in his last 10 appearances.

Recent Form

The Brewers come into the matchup with a 5-5 record over their last ten games, batting .247 as a team and sporting a 3.33 ERA, outscoring opponents by a single run. The Reds are surging, however, winning seven of their last ten outings while posting a 2.37 ERA and outscoring opponents by 12 runs.

Injuries

Milwaukee enters with several key pitchers on the injured list, including Brandon Woodruff (lat), Jose Quintana (calf), Shelby Miller (elbow), Logan Henderson (elbow), Trevor Megill (flexor strain), D.L. Hall (oblique), Jordan Montgomery (elbow), Garrett Mitchell (oblique), and Connor Thomas (elbow).

The Reds face their own injury concerns, with Nick Lodolo (groin) and Austin Hays (back) both listed day-to-day. Long-term absences include Rhett Lowder (forearm), Ian Gibaut (shoulder), Wade Miley (flexor), Carson Spiers (shoulder), Tyler Callihan (forearm), Brandon Williamson (elbow), and Julian Aguiar (elbow).

In summary

The Cincinnati Reds and Milwaukee Brewers are set for a crucial NL Central clash at American Family Field, featuring a marquee pitching matchup between Zack Littell and Quinn Priester. The Brewers look to extend their dominance in the season series, while the Reds aim for an upset with recent momentum. With both teams eyeing strong finishes and fan-friendly weather in store, this matchup promises exciting late-season baseball drama.

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