When the Milwaukee Brewers beat the Chicago Cubs in the opener of a 5-game series, it bunched the top 4 NL wild-card contenders within 5 1/2 games.

The Milwaukee Brewers set a single-season franchise record with their 14th straight victory Saturday. And, in keeping with recent form, it wasn’t easy.

Generally speaking, I start eyeing a topic for the Power Rankings intro around Friday. Last Sunday, though, I told myself one thing was off-limits: I'm not writing on the Brewers again. I had done so two straight weeks and three of the last four.

Aug 17, 2025; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Cincinnati Reds designated hitter Austin Hays (12) celebrates with teammates after hitting a walk-off single in the tenth inning against the Milwaukee Brewers at Great American Ball Park. Mandatory Credit: Katie Stratman-Imagn Images / Katie Stratman-Imagn Images

On the other hand, via Clay Davenport's third-order wins and losses, which project a team's winning percentage based on underlying statistics adjusted for quality of opponents, the Brewers are neck-and-neck with the Cubs,

The Reds played clean baseball Sunday to beat the Brewers, but defensive lapses earlier cost them the series — again.

Cincinnati Reds’ Trade Deadline Addition Ke'Bryan Hayes Draws Big Compliment from Milwaukee Brewers Manager Pat Murphy

Jose Trevino powered the Reds with clutch hits and defense as Cincinnati ended the Brewers’ 14-game win streak in extra innings.