If their first three-game sweep in Cincinnati since 1997 is an indication, the Milwaukee Brewers are approaching a meltdown.

Richie Sexson angrily points his bat at Reds reliever Jim Brower after Brower threw inside. (Brandi Stafford photo) | ZOOM |

        “Nobody got hit. Nobody got hurt,” Brewers manager Jerry Royster said after Wednesday night's 14-5 loss to the Reds that completed a three-game sweep. “The score was 100-1. I don't even think it was an issue.”

        There are plenty of issues for the Brewers, who have lost 13 of their last 15 games. They have the NL's worst record at 9-25, they've been swept in five of their 11 series, and they have the majors' worst road record at 2-16.

        “Last year, there were some reasons — so many injuries,” Richie Sexson said, referring to the Brewers' bad finish. “We didn't have four or five starters on the field at the time. This year, we're throwing the A-team out there and not winning games.”

        Starter Nick Neugebauer (1-4) and the bullpen couldn't hold onto a 5-2 lead.

        Neugebauer walked four in the fifth inning and gave up Austin Kearns' three-run homer. Adam Dunn's bases-loaded double drove in three more in the sixth, and Reggie Taylor hit a two-run homer in the seventh to make it a rout.

        That's when the emotions kicked in.

        Brian Mallette, who was called up Wednesday and made it to the ballpark during the Reds' rally, gave up Taylor's first career homer. His next pitch knocked down Austin Kearns, who still has a black left eye from getting beaned in Los Angeles last week.

        “I wasn't throwing at him,” the rookie said. “The ball just got away.”

        The Reds didn't believe him. Home plate umpire Tim Tschida immediately ejected him.

        Sexson got upset at Reds reliever Jim Brower — one of his friends from the Indians organization — an inning later. After Brower threw a pitch that was slightly inside, Sexson jumped back and angrily pointed the barrel of his bat at the mound.

        The umpires intervened and stayed between them after Sexson flied out and crossed the infield, heading back to the dugout.

        After they got the early lead, the Brewers managed only three hits off Jose Acevedo (3-1) and three others relievers.

        “We're all just pretty much frustrated,” Sexson said. “I don't think he was trying to hit me or anybody. They beat us up three straight days and when the ball even comes close to you, the frustration comes out.”
       

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