Red alert! Bailey struggles as Reds fall

Bailey just didn't bring his 'A' game this time around

You can't win 'em all, right? That's precisely what the Reds (15-14) must be thinking after falling to the Brewers (13-17), 8-3, on Tuesday. Milwaukee starter Yovani Gallardo (2-3) muffled the Cincinnati offense over his six, fine innings of work. Meanwhile, his counterpart Homer Bailey was less than superb in this one -- dropping his third game in four decisions this season.

The loss sets up a pivotal rubber match on Wednesday that could mean the difference between a series win (and successful road trip) or not.

Here's a look at the good, the bad and some notables from game two of the series:

The Good:
- Jay Bruce continues to look like the second-best hitter in the league this year behind LA's Matt Kemp. The right fielder went 2-4 with a HR (10) and two RBI (23). He's currently hitting .306 on the campaign.
- Brandon Phillips and Zack Cozart both had two-hit games as well. Phillips also scored two of the Reds' three runs.
- Joey Votto ripped his 14th double and drew a walk in four plate appearances.
- Alfredo Simon tossed a scoreless eighth to help lower his season ERA to 2.31.
- Todd Frazier came off the bench and did what he always does in pinch-hit situations, he delivered a hit.

The Bad:
- Bailey was very Bailey-esque. After coming off two quality starts in his last two outings, the right-hander backtracked by laying an egg on Tuesday. He allowed six hits, six runs (all earned) and three walks in just 3 2/3 IP. Consistency is non-existent with the former 2004 first round draft pick.
- The bullpen's streak of eight straight games without allowing a run came to an end. It wasn't all bad though as they permitted just two in 4 1/3 innings of work.
- Drew Stubbs had a woeful night at the dish. The speedster was hitless in five at-bats including three strikeotus.
- Devin Mesoraco and Ryan Ludwick also had unsuccessful nights at the plate. They were a combined 0-7 with two Ks.
- Reds pitchers showed a bout of wildness as evidenced by their two hit batsmen and one wild pitch.
- They miss a chance to guarantee a winning road trip and put pressure on themselves to come through in the series finale.

The Notables:
- A paid crowd of 28,108 took in the action at spacious Miller Park.
- Milwaukee announced the contract extensions of GM Doug Melvin and skipper Ron Roenicke before the game.
- Up next: Both clubs will eye a series victory in Wednesday's series finale. The Reds will send ace Johnny Cueto (4-0, 1.31) to the hill to counter the Brewers' Zack Greinke (3-1, 4.11). First pitch is scheduled for 1:10pm ET.