Milwaukee @ Chicago preview

Last Meeting ( Jun 27, 2013 ) Chi. Cubs 7, Milwaukee 2

The Chicago Cubs carry a hot streak into the opener of a four-game series at home against the Milwaukee Brewers on Monday. Chicago swept San Francisco over the weekend, winning all three contests by one run and finishing with five wins in its last seven games of a 10-game road trip. With a victory Monday, the Cubs would have their second four-game winning streak this month.

Milwaukee is 5-5 since the All-Star break after a 6-5 loss at Colorado on Sunday. Norichika Aoki hit his second home run in four games and Yuniesky Betancourt went deep in the losing effort. The Brewers swept the Cubs at home earlier in the year before Chicago took two of three at Milwaukee near the end of June.

TV: 8:05 p.m. ET, FSN Wisconsin (Milwaukee), CSN Chicago

PITCHING MATCHUP: Brewers RH Kyle Lohse (7-7, 3.37 ERA) vs. Cubs RH Jeff Samardzija (6-9, 3.94)

Following a slow start after signing late in spring training, Lohse has hit his stride. He is 6-1 with a 2.30 ERA over his last 10 starts and has given up just one run on a solo homer over his last two outings, spanning 13 innings. The veteran right-hander allowed three runs in seven innings to get the win against the Cubs on June 25 but has a 5.07 ERA (and 5-4 record) in 17 career starts versus Chicago.

Samardzija entered July with a 3.34 ERA but has a 6.85 mark in four starts this month. He walked five batters in 5 2/3 innings at Arizona on Wednesday and has issued 15 free passes in 23 2/3 innings in July. Samardzija is 2-4 with a 5.46 ERA at home and took the loss at Milwaukee on April 19 after allowing five runs (four earned) in seven frames.

WALK-OFFS

1. Cubs closer RHP Kevin Gregg got the save in all three wins in San Francisco.

2. The teams play a doubleheader Tuesday.

3. Chicago CF David DeJesus is 12-for-26 with a home run, triple and double against Lohse.

PREDICTION: Cubs 4, Brewers 3