On The Horizon: Cubs vs. Brewers Series Preview

You probably know a lot about the Brewers, considering the Cubs have already played them 15 times this year, and we just saw them last week in Milwaukee.

And the big deal about this weekend is a possible division clinching tonight, after which we might see an all-bench lineup tomorrow.

That said -- let's get on to the nuts & bolts of this four-game weekend series.

Fun fact

The Cubs have won all six games against the Brewers played so far this year at Wrigley Field, and since August 11, 2015 are 11-1 against the Brew Crew at Wrigley.

Pitching matchups

Thursday: Mike Montgomery, LHP (4-5, 2.74 ERA, 1.195 WHIP, 3.78 FIP) vs. Jimmy Nelson, RHP (7-14, 4.42 ERA, 1.509 WHIP, 5.03 FIP)

Friday: John Lackey, RHP (9-8, 3.35 ERA, 1.028 WHIP, 3.72 FIP) vs. Chase Anderson, RHP (8-11, 4.53 ERA, 1.370 WHIP, 5.06 FIP)

Saturday: Jake Arrieta, RHP (17-6, 2.91 ERA, 1.048 WHIP, 3.48 FIP) vs. Zach Davies, RHP (10-7, 3.87 ERA, 1.233 WHIP, 3.83 FIP)

Sunday: Kyle Hendricks, RHP (15-7, 2.03 ERA, 0.960 WHIP, 3.38 FIP) vs. Wily Peralta, RHP (6-10, 5.42 ERA, 1.568 WHIP, 5.08 FIP)

Times & TV channels

Thursday: 7:05 p.m. CT, CSN Chicago

Friday: 1:20 p.m. CT, CSN Chicago, MLB Network (outside Chicago and Milwaukee markets)

Saturday: 3:05 p.m. CT, WGN

Sunday: 1:20 p.m. CT, ABC7 Chicago

Prediction

The Cubs will clinch the division title with a win Thursday, then rest a lot of regulars Friday and lose that one. They'll take the final two of the series to win three of four and finish the year 13-6 against the Brewers.

Up next

The Cincinnati Reds come to Wrigley Field for a three-game series against the Cubs, beginning Monday night.