Midway through June, the Cincinnati Reds are approaching a pivotal moment. Approaching next month’s All-Star break looking to stay out of their divisional cellar. Currently, the Reds are playing their best baseball of the season.

The Reds did not start June in their best form. Slumping down to a season-worst eight games under .500 last Saturday. Cincinnati lost eight of their first 11 games of June. However, the Reds are starting to show some signs of life. Winning five consecutive games since Saturday and winning their first series since early May.

This includes a sweep of the injury-hampered and American League West leading Houston Astros. Along with winnning the first game of a four game series against the Milwaukee Brewers. The five-game winning streak is the Reds best since June, 2018. The Reds won seven consecutive games during that streak. Their best stretch of games since last making the postseason in 2013.

Sweeping Houston wrapped up a recent stretch of interleague play. Cincinnati’s winning streak last June was fueled partly through their success in interleague play. Winning four out of six games against the top two teams in the AL West. Plus, winning five out of eight consecutive interleague games. The Reds are 6-5 in interleague play so far this year.

Cincinnati is surging at a good time, with the Pittsburgh Pirates slumping in recent days. The Reds are no longer in last place in the National League’s Central division. Pittsburgh’s slump and the Reds winning streak put Cincinnati two games ahead of the Pirates going into Friday. The Reds began Friday 5.5 games out of first place. While being three games behind the third place St. Louis Cardinals.

The Reds could potentially get another boost going into July. Scooter Gennett could return to the lineup before the end of June. He hasn’t played a single game this season due to a groin injury. Cincinnati’s surge despite not having Gennett is a positive sign for the Reds. Having another relatively dependable batter could help the Reds sustain their recent winning ways.

The Reds recent success is due in part through the efforts of their pitching staff. This could rationally be considered the area where the Reds improved the most. Going from one of Major League Baseball’s worst pitching staffs to one of the best this season. The Reds starting pitchers are increasingly dependable; even when the Reds offense is not. Though the Reds offense is starting to come through more consistently.

Reds manager David Bell’s approach to the bullpen is also playing a role. Taking Raisel Iglesias out of his comfort zone. Through bringing him into games in the eighth instead of the ninth inning. While having some success with Michael Lorenzen as a closer. Fortunately for Bell and the Reds, it’s working out well this week.

Cincinnati has the chance to carry their sudden momentum into July. The Reds hot streak last June fizzled out after the All-Star Break. They will need to sustain their recent winning ways to truly show they are an improving team. Getting back above .500 for the first time since Opening Day will be a start.