Chicago @ Milwaukee preview
Miller Park
Last Meeting ( Apr 21, 2013 ) Chi. Cubs 2, Milwaukee 4
The Milwaukee Brewers and Chicago Cubs find themselves in a hotly-contested race, but not the one they envisioned. The teams are tied for last place in the National League Central as they begin a three-game series Tuesday at Miller Park. The Brewers have won four of five meetings this season, including a three-game sweep in Milwaukee from April 19-21.
The Cubs took two of three from former division rival Houston over the weekend and scored a season-high 14 runs in Sunday's win, giving them a bit of momentum going into a nine-game road trip. The Brewers shut out NL East-leading Atlanta on Friday and Saturday before dropping the series finale 7-4 on Sunday. Milwaukee will try to take advantage of the Cubs' poor play against division rivals - Chicago is 9-24 against the NL Central, the worst division record in the majors.
TV: 8:10 p.m. ET, CSN Chicago, Fox Sports Wisconsin (Milwaukee)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Cubs RH Edwin Jackson (3-9, 5.49 ERA) vs. Brewers RH Kyle Lohse (2-6, 3.68)
Jackson had his two-start win streak snapped last time out, as he allowed four runs over 5 1/3 innings in a loss at St. Louis. Jackson is 3-4 with a 3.36 ERA in nine starts against Milwaukee. He lost to the Brewers twice in April, allowing five runs over six innings in each start, though four of the runs in the second outing were unearned.
After the Brewers lost six straight Lohse starts in April and May, the right-hander is now giving his team a chance to win every time out. Lohse has recorded four straight quality starts, but he has only one win during that stretch - his only victory since April 22. Lohse is 4-4 with a 5.17 ERA in 16 starts against the Cubs, and he has won his last three decisions against them.
WALK-OFFS
1. Milwaukee 3B Aramis Ramirez is one hit away from becoming the 15th active player with 2,000 hits. Ramirez is 6-for-17 with two home runs against Jackson.
2. Cubs LF Alfonso Soriano is 20-for-53 with four home runs against Lohse.
3. Brewers 2B Rickie Weeks is batting .393 during an eight-game hitting streak and has raised his average 26 points to .221 over that span. Weeks is 3-for-15 with a homer against Jackson.
PREDICTION: Brewers 6, Cubs 4