Chicago @ Milwaukee preview

Chi. Cubs at Milwaukee

Last Meeting ( Sep 4, 2018 ) Chi. Cubs 1, Milwaukee 11

The Chicago Cubs went into their three-game road series against the Milwaukee Brewers with a big enough cushion in the National League Central that they could endure anything short of being swept. The Brewers have a chance to do exactly that in the series finale Wednesday.

Milwaukee routed the division-leading Cubs 11-1 on Tuesday to pull within three games. Chicago still leads the season series 9-6, but the Brewers have won five of the last six matchups. Milwaukee has won three straight and six of its last seven to take over the top spot in the NL wild-card standings. The Cubs have lost back-to-back games for the first time since dropping three straight from Aug. 18-21.

TV: 8:10 p.m. ET, WGN (Chicago), FS Wisconsin (Milwaukee)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Cubs LH Jose Quintana (11-9, 4.21 ERA) vs. Brewers RH Jhoulys Chacin (14-5, 3.53)

Quintana has been inconsistent all season, but he has been on an upswing recently, posting a 2.25 ERA over his last three starts. The 29-year-old limited Philadelphia to one run and three hits over six innings in a no-decision Friday, striking out seven and walking one. Quintana is 4-2 with a 1.67 ERA in eight career starts against Milwaukee.

Chacin won at Washington last time out to match his career-high for wins set in 2013 with Colorado. The 30-year-old has posted five straight quality starts, including one against the Cubs on Aug. 14 in which he had a season-high 10 strikeouts over seven scoreless frames. Chacin is 4-4 with a 2.84 ERA in nine games (eight starts) against Chicago.

WALK-OFFS

1. Chicago 3B/OF Kris Bryant is 4-for-14 and has hit safely in three of four games since returning from the disabled list.

2. Brewers LF Christian Yelich has reached base in 21 consecutive games - the longest active streak in the NL.

3. Cubs 1B Anthony Rizzo left Tuesday’s game with a bruised foot, but X-rays were negative and he is day-to-day.

PREDICTION: Cubs 5, Brewers 4