The Chicago Cubs are looking to grab a stranglehold on the National League Central, and they’ll have an opportunity to put a serious dent in the hopes of the Milwaukee Brewers as the teams tangle this week in Wisconsin.
The Brewers are one of two teams, along with the St. Louis Cardinals, that are chasing the Cubs in the Central, and they have a great opportunity to make up ground as the teams meet in Milwaukee for their final series at Miller Park this season.
Here are the pitching matchups in the series:
Monday:
Cole Hamels vs. Zach Davies
Davies has been out of the mix since May 29, and he’ll be trying to slow down a Cubs offense that has found its footing in recent weeks. Meanwhile, Hamels is looking to continue his near-perfect start as a Cubs pitcher, as he’s posted a 0.69 ERA in six starts with the North Siders.
Look out for Kris Bryant and Kyle Schwarber in this game, as they each have two career home runs off of Davies.
Chicago Baseball
Tuesday:
Mike Montgomery vs. Wade Miley
Montgomery looked sharp in his first start back off the disabled list, and will look to keep the good times rolling as he faces the Brewers. He has a 3.38 ERA since becoming a starter earlier in the season, and he’s been a steadying influence as the team has dealt with poor pitching and injuries from their rotation.
Meanwhile, Miley has not allowed more than three runs in a start since joining the Brewers, and the Cubs haven’t had a ton of success against him historically. Albert Almora does have a home run off of him, and Bryant is 3-for-6 lifetime against the lefty.
Wednesday:
Jose Quintana vs. Jhoulys Chacin
Quintana has been masterful against the Brewers this season, with a 2-1 record and a 2.63 ERA in four starts against Milwaukee. He gave up one run in his last start, and is hoping to continue a dominant run of pitching by the Cubs’ rotation.
Chacin has been Milwaukee’s best start for most of this season, with a 14-5 record and a 3.53 ERA in 29 starts. He has been especially good lately, giving up just four earned runs in his last four starts, striking out 26 batters in the process.
The first game of the series is an early one, slated for 1:10 p.m. Monday afternoon at Miller Park.
