Milwaukee @ Chicago preview

Last Meeting ( Sep 6, 2013 ) Milwaukee 5, Chi. Cubs 8

The Chicago Cubs have a chance to climb into fourth place in the National League Central when they host the Milwaukee Brewers on Saturday in the second contest of a three-game set. Chicago forged a tie with Milwaukee in the division following an 8-5 victory on Friday. It may only be a consolation prize, but the Cubs have finished in fifth place in each of the last three seasons.

Chicago, which was previously in fourth place on its own Aug. 19, can match its 2012 win total of 61 with its next victory. The Cubs have won four of six overall after a 4-14 stretch. Meanwhile, the Brewers have dropped six of seven after enjoying a relatively solid 12-9 span.

TV: 4:05 p.m. ET, FSN Wisconsin (Milwaukee), CSN Chicago (Chicago)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Brewers RH Johnny Hellweg (0-3, 10.97 ERA) vs. Cubs RH Jake Arrieta (2-1, 3.77)

Hellweg will make his first start since July 10, when he ended a brief visit to the majors after giving up four runs on four hits and five walks in 4 1/3 innings against Cincinnati. The rookie has issued 13 free passes in his first 10 2/3 innings in the majors while handing out 81 more in 125 2/3 frames at Triple-A Nashville this year. Hellweg surrendered seven runs in 1 2/3 innings in his only road start June 28 at Pittsburgh.

Arrieta has settled in well since coming over from Baltimore in a trade near the end of July. He allowed a run and three hits in 6 2/3 innings to defeat Philadelphia on Sunday, recording his third quality start in five outings with the Cubs. One of those solid performances came in his Chicago debut July 30 against Milwaukee, which managed just one run and two hits in six innings against Arrieta.

WALK-OFFS

1. Brewers 3B Aramis Ramirez has five home runs and 14 RBIs in his last 16 games.

2. Milwaukee is 23-22 in the second game of a series. It is 37-58 in all other contests.

3. Cubs SS Starlin Castro is 17-for-56 with four doubles and two home runs in his last 13 games - hitting safely 12 times in that stretch.

PREDICTION: Cubs 6, Brewers 4