Chicago @ Milwaukee preview

Last Meeting ( Sep 16, 2013 ) Chi. Cubs 1, Milwaukee 6

The Milwaukee Brewers have won seven of their last 11 games as they try to find a way to end a disappointing season on a high note. The Brewers look to continue their solid play when they host the struggling Chicago Cubs in the second of a four-game series Tuesday. Rookie Caleb Gindl knocked in three runs to help beat the Cubs 6-1 on Monday and the Brewers have averaged five runs the last five contests – four against teams in playoff position.

Chicago’s offense has struggled of late, producing only 10 runs over the last six games – five of them losses. Cubs rookie Junior Lake went 0-for-3 on Monday, but has 63 hits in his first 53 major-league contests and is batting .308 with two homers against Milwaukee. Chicago could use more from Anthony Rizzo, who has hit only one of his 22 homers and registered five of his 75 RBIs in September.

TV: 8:10 p.m. ET, CSN Plus (Chicago), FSN Wisconsin (Milwaukee)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Cubs RH Jeff Samardzija (8-12, 4.44 ERA) vs. Brewers RH Marco Estrada (6-4, 4.29)

Samardzija lost for the first time in six starts Wednesday against Cincinnati, but he has yielded 17 runs over 18 1/3 innings in three outings since Aug. 30. The 28-year-old needs 5 1/3 innings and five strikeouts to reach 200 in both categories. Norichika Aoki is 5-of-13 against Samardzija, who is 2-4 in 19 games (five starts) with a 3.54 ERA versus Milwaukee - 0-1 with a 2.57 ERA in 2013.

Estrada has been outstanding in his last six starts with a 2-0 mark and a 2.39 ERA, beating Texas and Cincinnati. The 30-year-old is 4-0 lifetime in 10 appearances (five starts) against the Cubs with a 3.72 ERA, including two wins in two outings this season. Starlin Castro is 6-for-15 with a pair of doubles and a triple versus Estrada, who has 97 strikeouts and 25 walks in 107 innings.

WALK-OFFS

1. Chicago 2B Darwin Barney has committed only four errors and leads the National League at his position with a .993 fielding percentage.

2. Brewers SS Jean Segura leads the NL with 44 stolen bases and is tied for the top spot in triples with 10.

3. Milwaukee has won 34 of 49 games against the Cubs the last three seasons.

PREDICTION: Cubs 5, Brewers 3