Los Angeles @ Chicago preview

Last Meeting ( Mar 12, 2016 ) Chi. Cubs 5, LA Dodgers 6

The Chicago Cubs attempt to extend their winning streak to six contests as they continue their 10-game homestand Monday with the opener of a four-game set against the Los Angeles Dodgers. Chicago has answered losing four of five by totaling 21 runs in back-to-back triumphs at St. Louis before outscoring Philadelphia 17-5 during a three-game sweep at Wrigley Field.

Ben Zobrist has been red-hot for the Cubs, collecting 40 hits in May — the highest total for a month in his career — as he enters Monday with a 15-game hitting streak. Los Angeles has won six of its past seven contests — including a 4-2 triumph in Sunday's rubber match against the Mets in New York. Adrian Gonzalez had a strong series versus the Mets, going 8-for-13 while driving in a total of four runs — two with a tiebreaking single in the ninth inning of the finale. The slugger has hit safely in seven of his last eight contests but has belted just one home run over his last 11 games and only two since April 22.

TV: 5:05 p.m. ET, SportsNet LA (Los Angeles), WGN (Chicago)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Dodgers LH Alex Wood (1-3, 4.03 ERA) vs. Cubs RH Jason Hammel (6-1, 2.17)

Wood will be making his first start since irritating his left triceps while batting in a no-decision at San Diego on May 21, when he struck out 13 while allowing two runs over six innings. The 25-year-old native of North Carolina is 0-2 in seven outings since his lone victory but has yielded fewer than three runs in four of his last five starts. Wood is 1-1 with a 3.86 ERA in five career games (two starts) against Chicago.

Hammel allowed one run and four hits over a season-high 7 1/3 innings at St. Louis on Tuesday to avoid consecutive losses for the first time this year. The 33-year-old from South Carolina has given up two runs or fewer in seven of his nine outings and has served up only three home runs in 54 frames. Hammel has not fared well against Los Angeles in his career, going 2-6 with a 4.93 ERA in 16 games (12 starts).

WALK-OFFS

1. Dodgers SS Corey Seager has recorded three straight two-hit performances.

2. Zobrist has reached base safely in 34 consecutive starts.

3. Los Angeles LHP Hyun-Jin Ryu has been scratched from his scheduled rehab start for Triple-A Oklahoma City on Monday due to soreness in his left shoulder.

PREDICTION: Cubs 5, Dodgers 2