Chicago @ Milwaukee preview

Last Meeting ( Aug 4, 2010 ) Milwaukee 3, Chi. Cubs 15

There was a point earlier this season when it looked like we might have seen the last of Carlos Zambrano, but he has turned it around in a big way as he leads his Chicago Cubs against the Milwaukee Brewers Friday.

After spending some time in the bullpen and on suspension following another blow-up in the clubhouse, Zambrano has been terrific since he returned to the rotation. The big right-hander is 4-0 in six starts since Aug. 9, holding his opposition to two runs or fewer each start over that stretch.

The Big Z threw seven strong innings in his last start, a seven-inning effort in which he gave up two earned runs on four hits while striking out eight and walking two. He has struck out 23 batters in his last 19 2/3 innings and also hasn’t lost at Miller Park since 2006.

Chicago (60-80) will look to find its offense in this one after getting blanked 4-0 by Brett Myers and the Astros on Wednesday. The Cubs average 4.34 runs per game this season and will need to pick it up to be competitive with a Brewers team that leads the NL with 163 home runs.

Milwaukee Brewers first baseman Prince Fielder, who leads the team with 30 homers, has hit .342 against Zambrano in his career. Corey Hart is a .308 lifetime hitter against the Chicago starter and comes into this game on a 9-for-21 streak at the plate.

Ryan Braun is batting .403 with four home runs and 20 RBIs over his last 32 games.

David Bush (7-11, 4.71 ERA) heads into Friday’s game with a 2-9 lifetime record against the Cubs and his ERA checking in at 5.47. Bush is coming off a no-decision in Milwaukee’s 5-4 loss at Philadelphia, giving up two homers and three earned runs over six innings of work.

The long ball has been a major problem for the 30-year-old lefty. Bush has given up 12 home runs in his last five starts, spanning 30 1/3 innings, but does lead the Brewers with 17 quality starts this season. He is 0-5 with a 7.63 ERA in his last eight home starts against Chicago.

The Cubs may be without third baseman Aramis Ramirez again today. He has missed the last three games with a sore right quad and is listed as day-to-day.

The Brewers (65-74) have won three of their last four games.