Milwaukee @ Chicago preview

Milwaukee at Chi. Cubs

Last Meeting ( Jul 30, 2013 ) Milwaukee 3, Chi. Cubs 2

Chicago Cubs fans often refer to Milwaukee's Miller Park as "Wrigley Field North," but the Brewers are beginning to return the favor and treat the Friendly Confines like home. Milwaukee has won 10 of the past 13 meetings in Chicago and will try to complete a four-game sweep of the Cubs on Wednesday. The Brewers claimed a pair of one-run games Tuesday, sweeping a doubleheader by winning 6-5 and 3-2.

The Brewers haven't swept the Cubs in Chicago since a three-game sweep May 9-12, 2002, and have never swept a four-game set at Wrigley Field. The three-game swing over the past two days has pulled last-place Milwaukee within 2 1/2 games of Chicago in the race to stay out of the National League Central cellar. Both teams' front offices are likely to be busy working the phones Wednesday with the non-waiver trading deadline looming at 4 p.m. ET.

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

PITCHING MATCHUP: Brewers RH Wily Peralta (7-10, 4.54 ERA) vs. Cubs RH Edwin Jackson (6-11, 4.89)

Peralta was dominant in his first four starts in July, going 2-0 with a 0.31 ERA, but he was lit up for eight runs (five earned) in 3 2/3 innings Friday at Colorado. The 24-year-old had allowed three or fewer runs in six straight starts before the clunker against the Rockies. Peralta has faced the Cubs three times this year, going 1-1 with a 3.44 ERA.

Jackson has turned things around since a rocky beginning to his tenure with the Cubs, and has allowed three or fewer earned runs in five straight starts. He hasn't gotten much support his last two times out, though, taking a tough-luck loss at Colorado on July 21 and settling for a no-decision Friday at San Francisco. Jackson entered the season with a strong mark versus the Brewers, but he has lost all three meetings this year to fall to 3-5 with a 3.96 ERA in 10 career starts against them.

WALK-OFFS

1. The Cubs have 22 blown saves - including both games Tuesday - and have lost nine games when leading or tied entering the ninth inning.

2. Brewers C Jonathan Lucroy is 7-for-20 with two homers against Jackson.

3. Milwaukee is 38-0 when leading after eight innings and is the only team in the majors that has not lost after taking a lead to the ninth.

PREDICTION: Cubs 5, Brewers 4