Los Angeles @ Chicago preview

Last Meeting ( Aug 3, 2013 ) LA Dodgers 3, Chi. Cubs 0

The Chicago Cubs are discovering why the Los Angeles Dodgers have become the National League’s most dangerous team in recent weeks. The Dodgers look to complete a four-game sweep of the Cubs on Sunday, but rookie phenom Yasiel Puig may be unavailable after injuring his left wrist while making another improbable catch during Saturday’s 3-0 victory. The team’s 13th straight road win broke the Dodgers’ franchise mark set in 1924 by the Brooklyn Robins.

The Cubs have lost six of their last seven games, but they remain encouraged by the play of rookie outfielder Junior Lake. The 23-year-old Dominican has hit four home runs and recorded two four-hit performances in his first 17 major-league games while becoming a fixture in the leadoff spot. “Junior’s a really hard worker and he can do so many things on the baseball field,” Cubs general manager Theo Epstein said.

TV: 2:20 p.m. ET, Prime Ticket (Los Angeles), WGN (Chicago)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Dodgers RH Stephen Fife (3-3, 2.76 ERA) vs. Cubs RH Carlos Villanueva (2-7, 4.33)

Fife is making his first start since landing on the disabled list July 9 with right shoulder bursitis. The Dodgers temporarily are going with a six-man rotation to make room for the 26-year-old, who has allowed two or fewer runs in 10 of his 13 major-league starts. Fife, who is making his first career appearance against the Cubs, led the Dodgers with a 2.21 ERA in six June starts.

Villanueva has a total of 11 strikeouts over his last two starts, but he’s still looking for his first win since June 29. The 29-year-old has gone 0-3 with a 6.75 ERA over his last four outings. Adrian Gonzalez is 3-for-15 against Villanueva, who is 1-2 with an 11.45 ERA in eight career appearances (one start) versus the Dodgers.

WALK-OFFS

1. The Dodgers haven’t swept a series of four or more games at Wrigley Field since July 14-18, 1998.

2. Chicago has recorded at least one extra-base hit in each of its last 27 games.

3. Dodgers closer Kenley Jansen has retired 22 straight batters, including 10 by strikeout.

PREDICTION: Dodgers 5, Cubs 3