The Cincinnati Reds’ defense remains the lingering weakness as August rolls on, with a ninth-inning throwing error by Elly De La Cruz setting up Milwaukee’s tying run and a misplayed ball by Jake Fraley allowing the eventual go-ahead in the 11th. Milwaukee rode a pinch-hit three-run shot from Andruw Monasterio to an 11-inning win and extended a winning streak that has Brewers fans dreaming big in a division that’s increasingly a two-team race. Cincinnati dropped 1½ games back of the final NL wild-card spot and found its path to the postseason blocked by sloppy fielding and unearned runs, despite upgrades that included Ke’Bryan Hayes at third.

Ke’Bryan Hayes’ Gold Glove pedigree is cited as part of Cincinnati’s strategic (and imperfect) infrastructure rebuild, while Gavin Lux—a Reds veteran in the piece—adds a layer of veteran steadiness that Cincinnati has been chasing to complement the improving infield. A drama-filled sequence in the middle frames featured Reds starter Zack Littell yielding a run in a sloppy second inning as Caleb Durbin scored from first on a Brice Turang double that drifted over Noelvi Marte’s head, a moment that underscored how quickly defensive lapses can tilt a tight game.

The Reds’ playoff hopes still flicker, but the margin for error shrinks when unearned runs mount and fielding miscues compound late-game pressure. Milwaukee’s clean defense and timely power remain a stark contrast to Cincinnati’s ongoing defensive volatility, a theme that could determine the NL Central’s fate as the season winds toward September.