Chicago @ San Francisco preview

Last Meeting ( Mar 26, 2016 ) San Francisco 5, Chi. Cubs 2

Jake Arrieta aims to become the first National League pitcher to reach eight victories when the Chicago Cubs open a three-game series against the host San Francisco Giants on Friday. Chicago has won each of Arrieta's last 21 regular-season starts and looks to keep the streak going against the Giants, who are the hottest team in the majors with eight consecutive victories.

Arrieta has allowed just 29 hits in 56 innings this season and said he doesn't let the opponent affect his approach. "My mindset doesn't change based on who we're playing," Arrieta told reporters. "When you do change the way you approach the situation, based on who you're playing, it gets you off your game." The Cubs dropped two of three to Milwaukee in a series that concluded Thursday, while San Francisco allowed just three runs and 12 hits during a three-game sweep of San Diego to finish a 7-0 road trip that rates as its best excursion since the 1913 New York Giants went 8-0. The Giants have given up only 14 runs during their eight-game tear and have allowed just one on five occasions during the streak.

TV: 10:15 p.m. ET, WGN (Chicago), KNTV (San Francisco)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Cubs RH Jake Arrieta (7-0, 1.29 ERA) vs. Giants RH Jake Peavy (1-4, 7.43)

Arrieta leads the majors in ERA and has allowed only five earned runs over his last six starts. He struck out a season-high 11 while beating Pittsburgh in his last outing, giving up two runs and three hits in eight innings. Arrieta is 3-1 with a 1.69 ERA in four career starts against the Giants and has shut down Buster Posey (1-for-9) and Brandon Crawford (0-for-8).

Peavy has lost his last three decisions but pitched well in his most recent outing, when he received a no-decision against Arizona. He allowed one run and three hits in six innings against the Diamondbacks after giving up 16 runs in 13 frames over his previous three turns. Peavy is 9-6 with a 2.81 ERA in 18 career starts against the Cubs and has handled David Ross (1-for-12) and Anthony Rizzo (3-for-14).

WALK-OFFS

1. Despite losing two of three at Milwaukee, the Cubs have won 23 of their last 28 regular-season road games dating back to last season.

2. San Francisco 2B Joe Panik matched his career high of four hits in Thursday's 3-1 victory after going 7-for-48 this month prior to the contest.

3. Chicago CF Dexter Fowler belted his 15th career leadoff homer in Thursday's 5-3 loss.

PREDICTION: Cubs 3, Giants 2