The margin of error for the Brewers is getting thinner.

After losing to the Reds last night, Milwaukee's lead in the NL wild-card race shrank to three games over Philadelphia with 18 games left. The Phillies beat Florida 8-6.

Things could change in a hurry later this week. The Brewers and Phillies play a key four-game series beginning Thursday in Philadelphia.

Also in wild-card contention are the Cardinals, who are 4 1/2 games back, and the Astros, who trail by five games.

Milwaukee plays the second game of its three-game set with the Reds tonight.

Jeff Suppan starts for Milwaukee. He's 10-8 with a 4.56 ERA.

He'll be opposed by Ramon Ramirez, who makes his second Major League start. He has no decisions on the season and his ERA is 2.70.