Atlanta @ Chicago preview

Last Meeting ( Sep 20, 2013 ) Atlanta 9, Chi. Cubs 5

The Atlanta Braves are in control of their own destiny and need one more win to clinch the National League East. The Braves can push their magic number down to zero when they visit the Chicago Cubs on Saturday. Atlanta broke through for four runs in the ninth inning to claim a 9-5 victory on Friday but had to wait to celebrate as the Washington Nationals stayed mathematically alive later in the evening.

The Braves don’t have any other team standing in their way with an 8 1/2-game lead over the Nationals and are in the pole position for the best record in the NL. The Cubs, who sit in last place in the NL Central, are attempting to impact the NL race with their last eight games against Atlanta, Pittsburgh and St. Louis. Chicago is not doing very well on that front and is trying to avoid its seventh loss in eight games.

TV: 4:05 p.m. ET, FSN South (Atlanta), WGN (Chicago)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Braves RH Kris Medlen (14-12, 3.32 ERA) vs. Cubs LH Travis Wood (9-11, 3.05)

Medlen is looking for his sixth straight quality start and held San Diego scoreless over 7 1/3 innings last time out. The 27-year-old is thriving thanks to strong command and is aiming for a 13th straight start issuing two or fewer walks. Medlen is making his first career start against Chicago but piled up 7 2/3 scoreless innings against the Cubs in five relief appearances.

Wood is coming off two straight strong starts on the road but is looking for a rare positive appearance at home. The 26-year-old is 0-2 with 12 runs allowed in 19 total innings over his last three home starts. Wood is making his first career start against Atlanta.

WALK-OFFS

1. Braves OF Jason Heyward (jaw) returned to the lineup for the first time in nearly a month on Friday but is not expected to play Saturday as he eases his way back into regular duty.

2. Chicago C Welington Castillo will undergo surgery to repair a partially torn meniscus in his right knee and is done for the season.

3. Atlanta 3B Chris Johnson (.331) is in a dead heat for the NL batting title with Colorado’s Michael Cuddyer (.331).

PREDICTION: Braves 5, Cubs 3