As we begin moving down the stretch of the season, the Brewers tentatively hold first place; Reds slide; Cubs surge; Pirates breakeven; and the Cardinals dawdle in last. Here’s the week that was.
1. Milwaukee Brewers (60-52, - GB)
The Brewers were 3-7 over their last 10 games heading into Saturday’s game against Pittsburgh, matching only the Cardinals in the division for such a tough stretch. Despite that, they’ve maintained the division lead into August. At eight games over .500, Milwaukee is outperforming its expected win-loss record by five games (-5 run differential), which isn’t abnormal for this year’s central division.