The Milwaukee Brewers head to Great American Ball Park on Friday, September 4, 2026 for a 6:10 PM ET first pitch against the Cincinnati Reds. Shane Drohan gets the ball for Milwaukee against Cincinnati's Rhett Lowder in what shapes up as an intriguing pitching matchup between two young arms. With the regular season winding down and every game carrying real weight in the standings, this NL Central clash carries genuine September significance. Catch the action on Brewers.TV Presented by Potawatomi Sportsbook or on WTMJ 620 AM back in Milwaukee.

Brewers vs. Reds Pitching Matchup: Drohan vs. Lowder

Shane Drohan draws the start for the Brewers in this one. The left-hander will need to navigate a Cincinnati lineup that has some legitimate weapons capable of doing damage, particularly in the middle of the order. Drohan's ability to establish himself early and limit free passes will be critical against a Reds offense that can put the ball in play and create problems in a hurry.

Rhett Lowder gets the nod for Cincinnati. The young Reds right-hander will have the home crowd behind him as Milwaukee looks to quiet Great American Ball Park. The Brewers will need to come prepared with a plan against Lowder and execute early — letting a young starter settle in and find a rhythm is never a recipe for success on the road.

Cincinnati Reds Lineup to Watch

The Reds are sending out a lineup Friday night that deserves respect from the jump. Elly De La Cruz bats second and remains one of the most electric players in the National League — his combination of speed and raw power makes him a threat every single time he steps in the box. The Brewers cannot afford to let De La Cruz beat them with his legs or his bat.

Tyler Stephenson slots in at cleanup and provides a steady presence behind the emerging Sal Stewart, who hits third at first base. Eugenio Suárez, a veteran with proven power, rounds out the heart of the order at DH. That 3-4-5 stretch alone can change a game in one swing.

• Elly De La Cruz (SS, 2nd) — Speed and power threat the Brewers must contain
• Sal Stewart (1B, 3rd) — Young first baseman hitting in a key run-producing spot
• Tyler Stephenson (C, 4th) — Veteran cleanup hitter capable of damage against left-handed pitching
• Eugenio Suárez (DH, 5th) — Power bat with postseason experience

Keys to the Game for Milwaukee

• Drohan must throw strikes and avoid deep counts — working efficiently will keep the bullpen fresh for a critical stretch of the schedule
• Limit Elly De La Cruz's impact on the bases — his speed alone can turn a routine at-bat into a run
• Make Lowder work early and get into the Reds bullpen — road wins in September often come down to bullpen management
• Capitalize on any mistakes in the middle innings — Great American Ball Park plays hitter-friendly and one crooked number can swing a game fast

Prediction

This is a winnable game for Milwaukee if Drohan can give the Brewers five or six quality innings and keep De La Cruz off the bases. The Reds lineup has enough depth to punish mistakes, but the Brewers have the pieces to compete on the road in September. Expect a tight, low-scoring game that comes down to bullpen execution late. Brewers 4, Reds 3.