The clinch watch is officially on. With the Brewers’ magic number for the NL Central down to two, it could happen any day. Tonight is the Brewers’ first chance, although they’ll need a little help to get there: A Brewers win combined with a Cubs loss to the Athletics would decide the division.
Tonight, however, will be a tough game for them to get the win. Zack Wheeler starts for the Phillies tonight and he is their ace. He hasn’t allowed more than two runs in a start since July 29th and the Phillies are 18-7 in his starts since April 20th. The Brewers faced him in June and scored just one run against him in seven innings.
Frankie Montas will take on him tonight. This will be Montas’ second start against the Phillies this season. He allowed only one run in 5 2⁄3 innings on April 3. Montas got off to a strong start in his last outing, pitching six scoreless innings against the Giants.
The Brewers are putting as many left-handed hitters in their lineup as possible tonight. Brice Turang is the first batter, followed by the only right-handers to start in a row: Jackson Chourio and William Contreras. Garrett Mitchell is fourth and Willy Adames is fifth. The Brewers are rotating hitters in the rest of the lineup, with Jake Bauers, Rhys Hoskins, Sal Frelick and Joey Ortiz rounding out the lineup.
An update for the bullpen tonight. After only playing for 1⁄3 an inning on Sunday before he left with tension in his forearm, Joel Payamps should be available again from the bullpen. He needs to play catch in the afternoon without any problems, but as long as that goes well, he will be available.
First pitch is at 6:40 p.m. Tonight’s game will be broadcast as usual on Bally Sports Wisconsin and the Brewers Radio Network. If you’re not in the Brewers’ market, you can also watch it on TBS. Here are the full lineups.
