Brewers at Reds

As Votto looks to continue his success versus the Milwaukee Brewers, the hosts hope to keep swinging the bats well against Jimmy Nelson on Saturday night when they chase a season-high fourth straight win.

Since totaling 10 runs and hitting .156 with runners in scoring position over a six-game losing streak, Cincinnati (13-17) has turned things around at the plate by averaging 5.7 runs and batting .368 in those situations in the last six.

Brandon Phillips has heated up, going 5 for 11 with three home runs and seven RBIs over the last three games.

Votto, who is batting .462 with three homers in his last nine games versus Milwaukee, will try to lead the Reds to their longest winning streak since June.

The right-hander won for the third time in his last four starts Monday when he allowed two runs and four hits over seven innings in an 8-5 home win over the Los Angeles Angels.

Jay Bruce gave him a tough time, going 5 for 10 with two home runs while Phillips was 3 for 11 with a home run.

He surrendered three runs over six innings Monday before the bullpen coughed up his three-run lead in a 9-6 home loss to San Francisco.

In his only career start versus Milwaukee (11-18), the hard-throwing left-hander gave up one run and three hits over five innings in a 5-3 road victory Sept.