Detroit @ Milwaukee preview

Last Meeting ( May 20, 2015 ) Milwaukee 2, Detroit 5

The Milwaukee Brewers still harbor thoughts of winning a division title as they open a three-game series against the visiting Detroit Tigers on Friday. Milwaukee, which has clinched at least a National League wild-card berth, is one game behind the Central-leading Chicago Cubs with three games to play.

The Brewers are one of the hottest teams in the majors with four straight victories and 19 in their past 26 contests, but they intend to attempt to score a few more wins. "The wild-card game, no matter how good you are, it is always somewhat of a coin flip," Milwaukee veteran Ryan Braun told reporters. "So we have to take care of business." Milwaukee has scored 12 or more runs in two of its past four games with MVP candidate Christian Yelich (NL-best .321 average along with 33 homers and 104 RBIs) leading the charge with seven homers and 28 RBIs in September. Detroit allowed 20 runs while dropping the final two games of a three-game set with Minnesota and has lost 12 of its past 17 contests.

TV: 8:10 p.m. ET, FS Detroit, FS Wisconsin, Dish455 (Milwaukee)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Tigers RH Jordan Zimmermann (7-8, 4.31 ERA) vs. Brewers RH Zach Davies (2-7, 4.65)

Zimmermann is 0-2 with a 6.32 ERA over his past three starts. The 32-year-old received a no-decision Saturday, as he gave up two runs and three hits over seven innings against Kansas City. Zimmermann is 5-1 with a 4.08 ERA in seven career outings against the Brewers but last pitched against them in 2015 when he was a member of the Washington Nationals.

Davies has lost consecutive starts and dropped five straight decisions. The 25-year-old had his season interrupted twice by rotator cuff soreness and missed more than three months during his second trip to the disabled list. Davies is 0-2 with a 3.32 ERA and 1.11 WHIP in four September outings.

WALK-OFFS

1. Tigers LF Christin Stewart had three hits for the second time in 17 big league appearances on Thursday.

2. Milwaukee CF Lorenzo Cain is 7-for-18 with three walks, two steals and five runs scored over the past four games.

3. Detroit LHP Francisco Liriano (back) departed Thursday's start after 2 2/3 innings in his final start of the season.

PREDICTION: Brewers 10, Tigers 5