The Cardinals are feeling new life after their 6-0 road swing through Pittsburgh and Kansas City.
They took full advantage of two terrible teams in full tank-and-rebuild mode. They climbed five games over .500, a place they have not visited since June 3.
But now the Cardinals must face the streaking Brewers, who come to town after sweeping the stripped-down Chicago Cubs in four games and then winning two of three games against the hapless Pirates.
After a suffering brief lull earlier this month -- when they went 4-4 in an eight-game span -- the Brewers have hit stride again.