Cincinnati Reds vs. Milwaukee Brewers Picks and Prediction for Thursday, July 2, 2026

The Cincinnati Reds visit the Milwaukee Brewers on Thursday at 2:10 PM ET at American Family Field in Milwaukee. Cincinnati is 39-45 and sits fifth in the NL Central, while Milwaukee is 52-31 and leads the division. The Brewers have taken the first two games of the series, winning 5-3 on Monday and 7-2 on Tuesday, while Cincinnati has dropped three straight games overall. Milwaukee continues to own one of the National League's best records and will look to strengthen its division lead behind another outstanding starting pitching matchup. Build your bankroll with our free MLB picks.

Cincinnati Reds Looking to Snap Losing Streak

Cincinnati has struggled to generate offense consistently this season, ranking near the bottom of the majors with a .227 team batting average. The Reds have scored 355 runs while collecting 640 hits, 102 home runs, a .309 on-base percentage, and a .389 slugging percentage through 84 games. Sal Stewart has been the club's biggest run producer with 16 home runs and 59 RBI, while Elly De La Cruz is batting .270 with 13 home runs, 40 RBI, and 10 stolen bases. JJ Bleday has added 13 home runs, and Spencer Steer has contributed 13 long balls as Cincinnati continues searching for more consistency throughout the lineup.

The Reds have also faced challenges on the mound, ranking 23rd in MLB with a 4.62 ERA and a 1.46 WHIP. Cincinnati has allowed opponents to bat .251 while surrendering 118 home runs and issuing 377 walks, creating too many scoring opportunities for opposing lineups. The pitching staff has recorded 681 strikeouts, but limiting baserunners has remained a season-long issue. 

Injuries continue to test the roster with Hunter Greene, Ke'Bryan Hayes, Blake Dunn, Dane Myers, and Connor Burns all sidelined.

Milwaukee Brewers Continue Rolling

Milwaukee has been one of baseball's most balanced offensive teams, ranking fourth in MLB with a .255 batting average and fourth with 430 runs scored. The Brewers have totaled 718 hits with a .338 on-base percentage and .397 slugging percentage. William Contreras leads the club with a .297 average and 90 hits, while Jake Bauers has produced 15 home runs and 50 RBI. Brice Turang has scored 59 runs while adding 12 home runs and 13 stolen bases, and Jackson Chourio is batting .295 with 12 home runs despite appearing in only 49 games.

The Brewers have complemented that offense with one of the league's best pitching staffs. Milwaukee ranks second in MLB with a 3.38 ERA, a 1.18 WHIP, and a .219 opponent batting average. Brewers pitchers have struck out 820 hitters while recording eight shutouts and consistently limiting big innings. Their ability to keep runners off base and protect late leads has been a major reason they have built a comfortable advantage atop the NL Central despite dealing with several pitching injuries.

Pitching Matchup

Cincinnati Reds – Chase Burns

Burns has been outstanding, posting a 9-1 record with a 2.36 ERA and 1.08 WHIP across 91.2 innings. He has allowed just 70 hits while striking out 112 batters and has consistently given Cincinnati a chance to win.

Milwaukee Brewers – Jacob Misiorowski

Misiorowski has emerged as one of baseball's most dominant starters, going 9-3 with a 1.45 ERA and 0.77 WHIP over 99 innings. He has surrendered only 49 hits and five home runs while piling up 146 strikeouts.

Cincinnati Reds vs. Milwaukee Brewers Pick

• Milwaukee Brewers 

Milwaukee has the edge with the deeper lineup, the stronger pitching staff, and home-field advantage. The Brewers have already won the first two games of the series and continue to play outstanding baseball on both sides of the ball. Chase Burns gives Cincinnati a chance to compete, but Jacob Misiorowski has been even more dominant, and Milwaukee's offense has been far more reliable throughout the season. With the Brewers leading the division and ranking among the league leaders in both hitting and pitching, backing Milwaukee to complete another strong performance is the best play.

Cincinnati Reds vs. Milwaukee Brewers Over/Under Pick

• Under

This matchup features two of the hottest young starters in baseball, making runs difficult to come by. Burns owns a 2.36 ERA and has consistently limited hard contact, while Misiorowski has been nearly unhittable with a 1.45 ERA and 0.77 WHIP. Cincinnati's offense has struggled throughout the season, and Milwaukee's elite pitching staff ranks second in MLB in ERA and opponent batting average. Expect a tightly contested game with quality pitching leading the way and the total cashing under.