Detroit @ Chicago preview

Detroit at Chi. Cubs

Last Meeting ( Jul 3, 2018 ) Detroit 3, Chi. Cubs 5

The Chicago Cubs will aim for a sixth consecutive win overall and a fifth in a row against an American League Central opponent when they wrap up a two-game set against the visiting Detroit Tigers on Wednesday. The Cubs have tied their high-water mark for the season at 13 games above .500 and are one game behind Milwaukee in the National League Central.

Chicago rallied to beat the Tigers 5-3 on Tuesday, matching its season high with a fifth straight win and improving to 34-17 in interleague play since the start of 2016. The win was the Cubs’ 25th comeback victory — most in the majors — a total that includes each of their last six victories. Detroit has dropped 12 of its last 14 games overall and has scored three or fewer runs in six of its last seven. The Tigers are 1-8 against National League opponents this season, but they’re 9-3 all-time at Wrigley Field.

TV: 2:20 p.m. ET, FS Detroit, WGN (Chicago)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Tigers LH Francisco Liriano (3-4, 3.99 ERA) vs. Cubs LH Jose Quintana (6-6, 4.31)

Liriano is winless in seven starts since April 28 and has lost his last three outings. The 34-year-old has allowed six runs over 10 innings in two starts since returning from the disabled list, including a quality start (six innings, three runs) in a loss at Toronto on Friday. Liriano is 5-4 with a 3.27 ERA in 14 starts against the Cubs.

Quintana went winless in five starts in June, but the Cubs were 3-2 in those games. The 29-year-old allowed three runs over 5 1/3 innings Thursday at Los Angeles, but the Cubs had to rally after he left the game to beat the Dodgers. Quintana is 5-5 with a 4.37 ERA in 18 starts against the Tigers.

WALK-OFFS

1. Cubs 3B Kris Bryant was eligible to come off the disabled list Tuesday, but he could remain sidelined until Friday after experiencing discomfort in his left shoulder after taking batting practice.

2. Detroit starting pitchers have thrown six or more innings in seven consecutive games – the team’s longest streak since Aug. 1-7, 2014.

3. Chicago RHP Carl Edwards Jr., who has been on the disabled list since May 30 with right shoulder inflammation, will make at least one more rehab appearance at Triple-A Iowa before rejoining the Cubs’ bullpen.

PREDICTION: Cubs 7, Tigers 4