Next nine games will determine Brewers’ season

Sep 8, 2014; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Milwaukee Brewers pitcher Yovani Gallardo (49) sits in the dugout after giving up 6 runs in 3 plus innings against the Miami Marlins at Miller Park. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports

A month ago the Milwaukee Brewers were still in first place in the National League Central division, riding high after a great start in which they won 20 of 28 games as the calendar turned to May 1st.

The Brewers held a three-game lead over second place St. Louis and it appeared all was well in Milwaukee, as the Brewers were in the middle of a five-game winning streak.

But the evil Cardinals were lurking, and despite the key loss of All-Star catcher Yadier Molina for seven weeks, stayed close by going 21-19 during that stretch and stayed in contention as the Brewers could not take advantage of the situation and pull away.

The Brewers’ free fall began on August 20 and since then have gone 7-16, dropping all the way to third in the N.L. Central.

Milwaukee has been playing better as of late, winning four of their last five, but is still five games behind division-leading St. Louis and 1 1/2 games behind Pittsburgh, currently holding on to the second wildcard spot.

So, the season comes down to the next three series, where the Brewers play nine games on the road against divisional foes, starting with St. Louis and meandering to Pittsburgh and Cincinnati.

As early as Thursday, we could have a much clearer picture of how Milwaukee’s season will end.

Obviously, it would be nice if the Brewers could sweep all three series, but realistically, that won’t happen. Milwaukee needs to win the series against St. Louis and build a little momentum on the road to PNC Park.

A sweep over Pittsburgh is a must if Milwaukee wants to grab ‘Wildcard 2.’

The Brewers are currently 78-72 and will need in the neighborhood of 87 wins to grab the extra wildcard spot.

It can be done, and for me, the most important thing is that Milwaukee stays in the race and makes September exciting for us True Blue Brew Crew fans.

C’mon Milwaukee–it’s up to you.