Dave Bush turned in a fine performance on Monday evening, when all eyes were probably on the Packers.  He went 8.0 innings and gave up only 2 runs.  The offense backed him thanks to a Prince Fielder RBI groundout, a rare two-run homer by Jason Kendall, and a solo shot by J.J. Hardy.  The Crew fared well against the Reds’ ace Edinson Volquez, and were looking to hold their Wild Card lead over the red-hot Phillies at 4.0 games when disaster struck.  Salomon Torres seemed to take a leaf out of all the other relievers’ books when he promptly blew a 4-2 game in the ninth.  He gave up 5 hits and 1 walk in an ugly performance.  The Brewers were hapless against their old teammate Francisco Cordero in the bottom of the ninth, so they lost their 6th game of this abysmal homestand.

Offensive MVP: Reds SS Jeff Keppinger (1-5/0R/12B/2RBI/0BB/0K)

Pitching MVP: Reds CP Francisco Cordero (1IP/0H/0ER/0BB/0SO/0HR/Save-28th)

Alex’s Take:

After getting nearly no-hit on Sunday, the Brewers managed to break out offensively somewhat against a great pitcher, but they shut down late when they desperately needed insurance.  I’ll say it right now: no lead is safe for any Brewer reliever in 2008.  They are all shooting blanks this month, have blown so many games lately it seems unbelievable, and are dashing all postseason hopes against a stone.  Going up against a newcomer pitcher tomorrow, someone the Crew will almost definitely struggle against, and another ace pitcher, Milwaukee will be lucky to escape from a Cincinnati sweep.  Then who knows what will happen in Philadelphia, in what looks to be a decisive series.  Milwaukee has to play solid baseball sooner or later, or they will without a doubt miss the playoffs again.