Milwaukee @ Chicago preview

Last Meeting ( Jun 13, 2018 ) Chi. Cubs 0, Milwaukee 1

The Chicago Cubs’ head-to-head dominance over the Milwaukee Brewers so far this season is the difference in the National League Central standings. The first-place Cubs will try to add to their cushion when the division rivals match up for a two-game set beginning Tuesday in Chicago.

Rookie David Bote’s game-ending, pinch-hit grand slam gave the Cubs an unlikely 4-3 win over Washington on Sunday, lifting Chicago to its major league-leading 37th comeback victory. The Cubs (68-49) are 19 games above .500 and lead the Brewers (67-54) by three games in the NL Central thanks to an 8-3 mark against Milwaukee. The Brewers are batting .165 against the Cubs, with Lorenzo Cain (.256) boasting the best average among position players. Milwaukee is 4-7 this month and has dropped five of its last seven.

TV: 2:20 p.m. ET, MLB Network, FS Wisconsin (Milwaukee), Dish455 (Milwaukee), NBCS Chicago

PITCHING MATCHUP: Brewers RH Jhoulys Chacin (11-4, 3.91 ERA) vs. Cubs LH Jose Quintana (10-8, 4.28)

After going 4-0 with a 2.64 ERA in five starts in July, Chacin was roughed up in his first outing this month, suffering his first loss since June 24. The 30-year-old bounced back with a quality start Wednesday, holding San Diego to three runs over six innings to earn his 11th win. Chacin is 3-4 with a 3.30 ERA in eight games (seven starts) against the Cubs, including a win in which he tossed six scoreless frames June 13.

Quintana’s inconsistency continued Wednesday at Kansas City, as he was unable to command the strike zone and gave up five runs in 6 1/3 innings. The 29-year-old has posted quality starts in four of his last six outings, though, and he has limited Milwaukee to two runs over 19 innings across three meetings this season. Quintana is 4-1 with a 0.92 ERA in seven career starts against the Brewers.

WALK-OFFS

1. Cubs 1B Anthony Rizzo, who has reached base in 16 consecutive games, is 5-for-13 with two homers versus Chacin.

2. Cain is 12-for-29 with five multi-hit games in his past six contests.

3. Brewers RHP Zach Davies, on the disabled list since May 29 with a stiff back and right rotator cuff inflammation, needs at least one more rehab start before rejoining the rotation.

PREDICTION: Cubs 4, Brewers 3