The only way you can think STL is better than MKE is if you think several guys who are outperforming their best year (including Goldschmidt, who is doing so at age 34 during a down season for offense around MLB, and Mikulos, who is not that good) will continue to do as well or better, AND that we won't have a full starting pitching rotation any time soon.
It's amazing they are in first place with so many missed games by important players. They've been starting Chi-chi and Jason Alexander, for God's sake. And when STL has an injury, they've promoted guys who have done great and they are other good bets for a later season decline.
The absence of Cain has improved the offense.
Yelich has done well batting leadoff. There are reasons for hope, if our guys can stay healthy.