Game Thread #68: Chicago Cubs (38-26) @ Milwaukee Brewers (40-27)

The Milwaukee Brewers (40-27) look to build on last night's shutout win against the Chicago Cubs (38-26), win a series for the first time this year against the Cubbies, and extend their lead to 1.5 games in the tough NL Central over the North Siders (and to four games over the Cards, if they would but cooperate).

Jhoulys Chacin (5-1, 3.58) gets the call from Craig Counsell to accomplish all that, and Chicago and Joe Maddon send out lefty Mike Montgomery (2-1, 3.56) to try and retake the top spot. Montgomery has pitched well lately for the Cubs, but his last two starts against Milwaukee (both last year) did not go well - 4.1 innings, 11 earned runs. May it be ever so.

The Brewers' 'vs lefty' line-up includes Ryan Braun and Jesus Aguilar, with Domingo Santana and Eric Thames resting from their arduous duties last night. Manny Pina is resting, too, and Erik Kratz will bring his hot bat to the plate and strike fear into Cubs fans (and players) everywhere.

Chicago Cubs (38-26)