Atlanta @ Chicago preview

Last Meeting ( Apr 7, 2013 ) Chi. Cubs 1, Atlanta 5

The Atlanta Braves own a magic number of two to clinch the National League East and are in the pole position for the best record in the NL. Standing in their way this weekend will be the Chicago Cubs, who host the opener of a three-game series on Friday. The Cubs are sitting in last place in the NL Central but are in a unique position to control the NL postseason seeding with series remaining against the Braves, Pittsburgh Pirates and St. Louis Cardinals.

Atlanta snapped a three-game slide with a 5-2 victory in Washington on Wednesday and is limping to the finish with a 5-9 record in the last 14 games. The Braves are averaging three runs over the last 14 contests and were shutout twice in the last four games. Chicago got three hits from Anthony Rizzo in busting out of a five-game slide on Thursday.

TV: 2:20 p.m. ET, FSN South (Atlanta), CSN Chicago

PITCHING MATCHUP: Braves LH Paul Maholm (10-10, 4.35 ERA) vs. Cubs RH Scott Baker (0-0, 0.82)

Maholm missed his last start with a sore elbow but pitched well in his previous three turns, allowing a total of six runs in 17 innings. The veteran is hoping to prove his health and lock down a spot in the Atlanta playoff rotation behind Mike Minor, Julio Teheran and Kris Medlen. Maholm is making his first start of 2013 against Chicago, against which he owns a 9-3 record and 5.04 ERA in 17 career starts.

Baker is making just his third start of the season following Tommy John elbow surgery but was impressive in his first two outings, surrendering a total of one run and five hits in 11 innings. Known for strong command early in his career, the former Minnesota Twin issued only one walk while striking out five in those two turns. Baker will be making his first career start against Atlanta.

WALK-OFFS

1. Braves SS Andrelton Simmons (sore neck) was limited to pinch running on Wednesday and is day-to-day.

2. Rizzo’s three hits on Thursday were one more than his total from the five previous games.

3. Atlanta RF Jason Heyward (broken jaw) took live batting practice on Wednesday and could return next week.

PREDICTION: Cubs 4, Braves 3