Milwaukee @ Chicago preview
Wrigley Field
Last Meeting ( Jul 29, 2013 ) Milwaukee 5, Chi. Cubs 0
The Milwaukee Brewers needed all night to gain some momentum in the opener of their four-game road series against the Chicago Cubs, but they hope to carry over something from their ninth-inning surge when the teams play a split doubleheader Tuesday. The Brewers scored five runs in the ninth for a 5-0 win Monday as they climbed within 4 1/2 games of the Cubs in the race to avoid the National League Central cellar. Milwaukee has won eight of the past 11 meetings in Chicago dating to the start of last season.
Both teams are out of playoff contention and will be working to make more deals ahead of Wednesday's non-waiver trading deadline. The Cubs' recent efforts appear to center around closer Kevin Gregg and right fielder Nate Schierholtz. The Brewers likely are looking to deal relievers John Axford and Mike Gonzalez and perhaps starters Kyle Lohse or Yovani Gallardo - if the price is right.
TV: 2:20 p.m. FSN Wisconsin (Milwaukee), CSN Chicago
PITCHING MATCHUP: Brewers RH Yovani Gallardo (8-9, 4.88 ERA) vs. Cubs RH Carlos Villanueva (2-7, 4.23)
Gallardo seemed like a prime trade prospect, but he didn't help his value last time out, allowing six runs in 3 2/3 innings in a loss to San Diego. The 27-year-old has been wildly inconsistent this season with 10 quality starts and five in which he didn't make it to the fifth inning. The Mexican right-hander has fared well against the Cubs, though, going 7-3 with a 3.12 ERA in 15 starts.
Villanueva is winless in four outings since returning to the rotation, and he has lost his last three starts. He hasn't gotten much support during his losing streak - a total of six runs - and allowed three runs over five innings in a 3-1 loss at Arizona last time out. Villanueva, who pitched for the Brewers from 2006-10, has made two relief appearances against his former team and has not allowed a run in 3 1/3 innings.
WALK-OFFS
1. The Cubs were 1-for-8 with runners in scoring position in the opener and are hitting .225 in those situations for the season, the second-lowest mark in the majors.
2. The Brewers are 37-0 when leading after eight innings, the only team in the majors that has not lost after taking a lead to the ninth.
3. Chicago is 36-21 when scoring more than three runs.
PREDICTION: Brewers 6, Cubs 4